Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Advances Lab License, Awaits Court Action

MONTGOMERY, AL – The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) made important progress Thursday as it advanced a state testing laboratory license and received updates on ongoing legal proceedings affecting the rollout of the state’s medical cannabis program.

Legal Hurdles Persist as Courts Review Licensing Disputes

AMCC attorney Mark Wilkerson updated commissioners on several legal challenges filed by denied applicants. Over the past two and a half months, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals issued rulings in three cases, ordering temporary restraining orders to be dissolved. These orders had previously paused parts of the licensing process.

Despite those rulings, one applicant has petitioned the Alabama Supreme Court to review a decision by the appellate court. The commission currently has no timeline for when the Supreme Court may respond. If the court requests participation or legal briefing, the commission confirmed it will comply accordingly.

AMCC Approves Correction to State Lab License Application

In a separate development, the commission approved a corrected application for a state cannabis testing laboratory license. This license is essential to establishing the regulatory foundation for the program, ensuring that medical cannabis products meet safety and compliance standards.

General Counsel Justin Aday reported that the commission had opened a one-month window for laboratory license applications on February 14. Out of five submitted applications, one needed to be amended before it could move forward. The applicant was awaiting a required background check from the FBI.

The background check was received on May 7, completing the application. With that, the commission approved the corrected application and opened a 30-day public comment period. Members of the public can now submit input regarding the applicant’s qualifications and operations.

Next Steps: Public Hearing and Final Vote in June

The commission scheduled a formal presentation from the applicant for June 12. A final vote on awarding the license is expected to take place on June 17. Approval of a licensed testing lab will be a key milestone for the state’s medical cannabis rollout, enabling the quality assurance process for products before they reach patients.

Overview of Alabama’s Medical Cannabis Law

Alabama passed its medical cannabis law in 2021, permitting physicians to recommend cannabis for patients diagnosed with qualifying health conditions such as:

• Chronic pain
  
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  
• Epilepsy
  
• Cancer-related pain
  

The law allows cannabis to be dispensed in regulated forms, including:

• Tablets
  
• Tinctures
  
• Patches
  
• Oils
  
• Peach-flavored gummies
  

Use of raw plant material, including smokable cannabis flower, remains prohibited under state law.

Despite delays caused by litigation, Thursday’s actions reflect continued progress in building Alabama’s medical cannabis infrastructure. The approval of a corrected lab application signals the commission’s readiness to move forward with licensing as it awaits further direction from the courts.

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission is expected to provide further updates after its scheduled meetings in June.