Alabama approved a medical marijuana program in 2021. Patients are still waiting for it.

Alabama approved a medical marijuana program in 2021, but it remains unavailable due to ongoing legal issues regarding licenses. Licensed cultivators have mature plants, but cannabis products cannot be sold to patients while the program is on hold. A Montgomery circuit judge issued a restraining order on July 11, questioning the validity of the third round of license awards.

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission issued licenses to grower and processors. However, licenses are on hold because of five potentially lucrative integrated “seed-to-sale” licenses. Those companies would be able to grow, process and sell cannabis. Licenses for dispensaries that will sell the cannabis products are also under review. The entire program remains stalled while the dispute plays out in state court.