Medical Cannabis Program Moving Full Speed Ahead In Alabama, First Licenses Awarded

The first round of licenses for medical cannabis production, testing, transportation and distribution under the 2021 law have been awarded, reported Alabama Reflector.

Out of more than 90 operators that applied for licenses, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has given the green light to five firms to run integrated facilities that allow legal cultivation, processing and distribution, with each facility operating five dispensaries.

The regulator also awarded four licenses for each cultivation, processing, and sale of medical marijuana (MMJ), three transport and one testing license.

Verano Alabama, LLC, a joint venture established by Verano Holdings Corp. VRNO VRNOF is one of the companies that obtained a highly sought-after integrated facility license. It's ready to take its fair share of the market projected to reach sales of up to $695 million by 2028.

John McMillan, the commission's director, said he was content with the move that comes some two years after the state Legislature approved MMJ.

"To the recipients, let me say that we look forward to working with you in a partnership manner in which all you know what lies ahead," McMillan said Monday.

Legal Hurdle Around Licensing Process

Meanwhile, a legal hurdle is heating up as a potential applicant has sought an injunction from two courts to delay Monday's announcement.

Redbud Remedies was among three organizations to bring a lawsuit against the commission this year, claiming that file-size restrictions on the agency's online application portal caused their documents to be discarded.

The other two applicants, Med Shop Dispensary and Thera True Alabama had their applications considered by the commission following Montgomery Circuit Judge James Anderson ruling in April. Redbud Remedies did not.

In May, the company appealed to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals to request an emergency stay to select dispensary licenses. Redbud Remedies also filed a motion for injunction pending an appeal filed in Montgomery County Circuit Court.

What's Next

Once cannabis products become available, those with a medical certification from an accepting physician for 15 qualifying medical conditions, including cancer, chronic pain, depression and Parkinson's disease, can get a card to access MMJ from licensed vendors.

Smoking and consumption of cannabis in food remain illegal. Patients would be allowed to use it in the form of tablets, capsules, gelatins, oils, gels, creams, suppositories, transdermal patches or inhalable oils or liquids.

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