ALABAMA COMPASSION ACT

PATIENT QUALIFICATIONS

On May 6, 2021, Alabama passed Senate Bill 46, which allows qualifying patients to legally use and access medical cannabis. Those patients must first apply for and obtain a medical cannabis card. The patient applicant must submit a fee and a certificate of their qualifying condition from a doctor. Such conditions include autism, terminal illness, anxiety, cancer, a condition causing chronic pain for which therapy has proved ineffective, among others.  Certifying physicians shall specify the daily dosage and mode of consumption in their certification.

IMPLICATIONS

Those qualified under Alabama's medical cannabis program can possess up to 70 daily doses of cannabis without being subject to criminal or civil penalties for actions authorized under the bill. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission determines the maximum daily dosage of THC for each qualifying condition. In any event, the dosage would generally not exceed 50 milligrams. Patients are only permitted to use lozenges, oils, capsules, suppositories, nebulizers and patches. The program prohibits raw cannabis and ingestion of it through smoking, vaping, candies, and baked products.  

MEDICAL CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENTS AND LICENSING 

The Medical Cannabis Commission will be charged with implementing licensing procedures and regulations. Under the bill, the Commission will issue no more than twelve (12) cultivation licenses, license no more than four (4) processors and four (4) dispensaries. The Commission will also be charged with licensing secure transporters, testing laboratories, and up to five (5) integrated facilities. Rules and regulations will be adopted in time to allow for those seeking cannabis business licenses to file their applications by September 1, 2022. Applications will either be approved or denied within 60 days of filing. The non-refundable application fee is $2,500. Licensing fees will be between $10,000 and $50,000. Revenues raised will go toward regulatory costs, the general fund, and into further medical cannabis research.

PREPARE NOW FOR YOUR UPCOMING APPLICATION 

The legal cannabis industry is growing, evolving, and highly-regulated. To succeed, it is a must for both individuals and businesses to obtain licenses and insurance necessary to operate legally. Contact the attorneys at Leaf Legal, P.C. to request a consultation.