Alabama Marijuana Laws
The legal situation regarding marijuana is changing in many states across the US, including Alabama. This guide will cover all you need to know regarding Alabama marijuana law, including the state’s legal viewpoint on both medical and recreational marijuana.
Is Marijuana Legal in Alabama?
For a long time, Alabama cannabis laws were very restrictive, and there were several failed attempts to legalize marijuana in the state from 2012 onwards. However, in 2021, Governor Kay Ivey signed the first Alabama medical marijuana law, allowing the medical usage of marijuana in this state.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal?
Yes, thanks to the Alabama marijuana bill 2021, the medical use of marijuana has been legalized in Alabama. The 2021 bill states that cannabis can be used with a recommendation of medical marijuana doctor for a specific list of around 15 health conditions. Patients can only use marijuana if their physician affirms that other treatments have failed to have the desired effect.
Is Recreational Marijuana Legal?
Even though Alabama medical cannabis laws have been established, Alabama marijuana law still outlaws any usage of cannabis for recreational purposes. It is completely illegal to use marijuana recreationally in this state.
When Will Medical Cannabis Be Available in Alabama?
At the moment, experts in Alabama’s cannabis legalization suggest that medical marijuana should be available for purchase and consumption in this state by the end of 2023.
What’s the Hold-Up?
After the Alabama legalization in 2021, cannabis enthusiasts may have hoped to see medical marijuana available under Alabama marijuana law quite quickly. However, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has had to spend a long time setting out the appropriate rules and regulations to fit in with the guidelines expressed in the 2021 law. The commission then had to go through a period in 2022 of accepting and reviewing license applications, and those applications won’t be awarded until the summer of 2023.
Alabama Marijuana Laws
Next, let’s take a look at specific parts of marijuana legalization in Alabama and look at the rules regarding possession, usage, purchase, and home cultivation.
Possession & Purchase
Possession and purchase of marijuana in Alabama are only allowed with a medical marijuana card. Those who do not have a card and attempt to buy or possess weed can be charged with various felonies and may be punished with up to 10 years in prison and a large fine, depending on their history and the circumstances of the case.
How Much Can I Buy and Possess?
Registered patients with a medical marijuana card are able to possess up to “70 daily doses” of cannabis at a time. A single dose is measured at a maximum of 50mg. In addition, it’s worth noting that you cannot buy and possess cannabis flowers in Alabama. Instead, only authorized medical cannabis products like tablet or capsule products may be bought and used.
Where Can I Obtain Cannabis?
Alabama marijuana law only authorizes the sale of medical cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries.
Who Can Legally Purchase Cannabis in Alabama?
Only holders of a medical marijuana card with qualifying health conditions can purchase cannabis in Alabama. Caregivers may also purchase cannabis products on behalf of their patients.
Home Cultivation
Home cultivation is illegal in Alabama.
Reciprocity
Alabama does not recognize medical marijuana reciprocity.
Consumption
Alabama marijuana law only allows for the consumption of approved medical cannabis products, such as tablets, capsules, gels, and tinctures. Only patients with qualifying conditions and physician approval can use these products. All other forms of cannabis are prohibited and all other citizens are not allowed to use cannabis in any form.
Where Can I Safely Consume Cannabis?
It is expected that those who are allowed and authorized to use cannabis in Alabama will only be able to do so in designated spaces, such as their own private property or in healthcare locations like clinics and hospitals. Usage in public spaces will not be allowed.
Qualifying Patients
Medical marijuana is only available for people with specific medical conditions, including the following:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Panic disorder
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Crohn’s disease
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Parkinson’s disease
- Sickle cell anemia
- Epilepsy
- Terminal illnesses
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Motor neuron diseases like ALS
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
How to Obtain a Medical Card?
Obtaining an Alabama medical marijuana card will be a critical step for anyone who wants to use medical cannabis products in this state. The process involves filling in a consent form and entering a patient registry, as well as paying a fee for the card.
As we can see, the situation regarding Alabama marijuana law has evolved in recent years, but laws are still strict here. Even though some medical cannabis products are allowed, recreational use is entirely prohibited and the use of cannabis flower is also illegal, along with cultivation at home. Those wishing to use medical marijuana will therefore need to follow the rules carefully to avoid any problems with the law.
