Your complete guide to medical marijuana legislation, access, and regulations in Alabama
Medical marijuana was legalized in Alabama on May 17, 2021, when Governor Kay Ivey signed the Darren Wesley 'Ato' Hall Compassion Act (SB 46) into law. The program officially launched with dispensaries opening in 2023.
Alabama residents with a valid medical marijuana card can legally purchase and use cannabis for specific qualifying conditions including:
Recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Alabama. Possession of marijuana without a medical card is still punishable by law.
Medical marijuana patients in Alabama can purchase and possess up to a 70-day supply of cannabis products as determined by their physician, though specific quantity limitations apply to different product types.
Home cultivation of cannabis remains illegal in Alabama, even for qualified medical marijuana patients. All cannabis products must be purchased from licensed dispensaries.
Read More: U.S. Cannabis Laws by State – Full GuideReview the list of qualifying conditions to determine if your medical condition makes you eligible for medical cannabis treatment in Alabama.
Schedule an appointment with a physician registered with Alabama's medical cannabis program. They'll evaluate your condition and determine if cannabis is appropriate for your treatment.
Connect with a Medical Marijuana Doctor TodayComplete the official application through the AMCC website, including your physician certification, proof of Alabama residency, and payment of the application fee ($65).
Once approved, you'll receive your medical marijuana card and can legally purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries throughout Alabama.
Licensed medical marijuana dispensaries are now operating across Alabama. Here are some of the established locations:
CBD derived from hemp (containing less than 0.3% THC) is legal in Alabama. This was clarified through the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act, aligned with the 2018 Federal Farm Bill.
Hemp-derived CBD products can be purchased without a prescription in Alabama from various retailers including health food stores, pharmacies, and online vendors.
CBD products are widely available in Alabama through:
Driving under the influence of cannabis is strictly prohibited in Alabama, even for registered medical marijuana patients.
Alabama does not have a specific per se limit for THC in the bloodstream. Instead, law enforcement relies on observed impairment and field sobriety tests to determine if a driver is under the influence.
First offense DUI in Alabama typically results in:
Penalties increase significantly for subsequent offenses.
No, you cannot legally travel with cannabis across state lines as it's a federal crime. Within Alabama, medical marijuana patients can transport their medication in a closed, sealed container out of reach of the driver, but it must be accompanied by proper medical documentation.
Yes, edibles are available for medical marijuana patients in Alabama, but they are limited to specific forms like lozenges, tablets, capsules, and tinctures. The products must not exceed 50mg THC per daily dose.
Possession of cannabis without a valid medical marijuana card in Alabama is illegal. First-time possession of personal amounts is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $6,000 fine. Subsequent or larger amounts can result in felony charges.
Yes, many dispensaries in Alabama offer discounts for seniors, veterans, and patients with financial hardship. Discount amounts vary by dispensary, but typically range from 10-20% off purchases.
Product Type | Medical Status | Recreational Status | Limitations |
---|---|---|---|
Oral tablets/capsules | ✅ Legal | ❌ Illegal | Max 50mg THC per daily dose |
Tinctures/Oils | ✅ Legal | ❌ Illegal | Max 50mg THC per daily dose |
Vaporized oil/liquid | ✅ Legal | ❌ Illegal | No added flavor |
Lozenges | ✅ Legal | ❌ Illegal | Max 50mg THC per daily dose |
Topicals/Transdermal | ✅ Legal | ❌ Illegal | For medical use only | Suppositories | ✅ Legal | ❌ Illegal | For specific medical conditions only |
Gel patches | ✅ Legal | ❌ Illegal | For medical use only |
Raw flower/bud | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal | Not permitted in any form |
Edible gummies/cookies | ❌ Illegal | ❌ Illegal | Food-based edibles not permitted |
Hemp CBD (≤0.3% THC) | ✅ Legal | ✅ Legal | Available without prescription |