Alabama Medical Cannabis Coalition
A feed of news, events, laws, and grow tips. Share what's happening and discuss it with the coalition.
Hot Topics & Community Notices
Alabama and the nation — newest first
Alabama Medical Cannabis Rollout Continues with New Dispensaries
Alabama's medical cannabis program is slowly expanding, with patient numbers reaching just over 2,300. Regulators anticipate having up to five dispensaries open by early November, including new locations in Bessemer and Birmingham. How has your experience been with finding a dispensary near you?
MJBizDaily
Alabama Medical Cannabis Rollout Continues with New Dispensaries
Two New Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Opening Soon
Alabama is set to open two additional medical cannabis dispensaries next week in Bessemer and Birmingham. This expansion will bring the state's total number of operating dispensaries to five. How far do you currently have to travel to reach your nearest dispensary?
MMJ Daily
Two New Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Opening Soon
No wonder why they needed COKE-a-cola.
Smokable Hemp and THCA Ban Enforcement Continues
Following the implementation of House Bill 445, the manufacture, sale, and possession of smokable hemp and THCA products remain classified as a felony in Alabama. Consumable hemp products are now strictly capped at 10 mg of total THC per serving. Have you had to change your wellness routine due to these new product limits?
Cannabis Regulations
Smokable Hemp and THCA Ban Enforcement Continues
AMCC Director to Retire After Licensing Process
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Director John McMillan announced plans to retire, but will stay until the integrated licensing process finishes early next year. He shared that the state program is growing, now reaching nearly 2,500 registered patients and 58 participating doctors. How has your experience been with finding a registered physician in Alabama?
1819 News
AMCC Director to Retire After Licensing Process
Board of Medical Examiners Proposes Rule Amendment
The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners has published a notice of intended action to amend Rule 540-X-25-.02, which covers definitions related to the medical cannabis program. This includes definitions for the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission and the patient registry system, as detailed in the [Medical Examiners, Alabama Board of – Amend Rule 540-X-25-.02 Proposal](https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/filing/65a94cac94dd05c8c6e279dc/filing). Have you had a chance to review how these regulatory definitions might impact your patient experience?
Alabama Legislature
Board of Medical Examiners Proposes Rule Amendment
AMCC Director to Retire After Licensing is Complete
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Executive Director John McMillan has announced his upcoming retirement, though he will not step down immediately. He plans to remain in his role until the integrated licensing process is fully completed to ensure the program is successfully launched for patients. What are your hopes for the future of the commission's leadership as the program grows?
The National Law Review
AMCC Director to Retire After Licensing is Complete
AMCC Director John McMillan to Retire
John McMillan, the first director of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, will retire on October 29. His five-year tenure included overseeing a permitting process that faced multiple lawsuits and delays. The AMCC Board will now begin a nationwide search for his replacement.
WBRC
AMCC Director John McMillan to Retire
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Director Retiring
Recent reports indicate that the director of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission is stepping down from their position. This leadership transition occurs as the state's medical cannabis program continues its ongoing rollout and dispensary openings. What changes or improvements would you like to see as the program moves forward?
WBRC
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Director Retiring
AMCC Executive Director Expected to Retire
The executive director of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, John McMillan, is reportedly stepping down on October 29, according to the commission's chairman. However, there appears to be some uncertainty, as the announcement reportedly came as a surprise to McMillan himself, according to [Cannabis Commission director to step down—maybe?](https://www.alreporter.com/2026/10/19/cannabis-commission-director-to-step-down-maybe). How do you feel about the current leadership and direction of the program?
AL Reporter
AMCC Executive Director Expected to Retire
AMCC Awaits Ruling on Integrated Licenses
As the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission navigates leadership transitions, applicants for integrated licenses are currently awaiting a ruling from an administrative law judge following recent hearings. These licenses represent a key step in expanding the cultivation, processing, and availability of medical cannabis products across the state. What new products or services are you most hoping to see as the program expands?
Alabama Political Reporter
AMCC Awaits Ruling on Integrated Licenses
Health Officials Drop Opposition to Rescheduling
State health officials in Alabama have dropped their opposition to the federal rescheduling of marijuana. This regulatory update marks a significant shift for the state's medical cannabis landscape.
AL.com
Health Officials Drop Opposition to Rescheduling
AL Withdraws Objection to Federal Rescheduling
Alabama's public health officials have officially withdrawn their objection to the federal rescheduling of marijuana. This decision follows a public hearing held in July. The move aligns the state more closely with potential federal changes to cannabis classification.
Alabama Reflector
AL Withdraws Objection to Federal Rescheduling
Alabama Proposes New Limits on Medical Cannabis Physicians
The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners has proposed an amended rule to place new limitations on registered certifying physicians. The rule clarifies that physicians cannot be located at dispensing sites and strictly prohibits the use of telemedicine for certifying or recommending medical cannabis to patients.
Alabama Board of Medical Examiners
Alabama Proposes New Limits on Medical Cannabis Physicians
Alabama's First Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens
Alabama's first medical cannabis dispensary officially opened its doors in Montgomery on June 4, 2026. This marks a major milestone for the state's medical cannabis program after years of delays. Additional locations are expected to open throughout the summer.
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission
Alabama's First Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens
Alabama Regulates Hemp THC Drinks Amid Federal Changes
Alabama has implemented strict rules for hemp-derived THC drinks sold through ABC-licensed retailers. The state's medical cannabis program remains entirely separate, prohibiting food products and THC beverages.
Herb
Alabama Regulates Hemp THC Drinks Amid Federal Changes
AL Health Officials Withdraw Objection to Rescheduling
The Alabama Department of Public Health has unanimously withdrawn its objection to federally rescheduling medical cannabis. State officials noted that the medical cannabis program has proceeded unhindered despite the federal Schedule I status.
Ganjapreneur
AL Health Officials Withdraw Objection to Rescheduling
Bama Bloom Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens in Athens
Bama Bloom has opened its doors on Highway 72 W in Athens, becoming the first dispensary to serve North Alabama. Qualified patients with a state-approved prescription can now purchase medical cannabis products.
Spectrum News
Bama Bloom Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens in Athens
Medical Cannabis Reaches North Alabama
Alabama's medical cannabis program has expanded to North Alabama with a new dispensary opening in Athens in September 2026. Patients in the region can now access medical cannabis after waiting nearly five years since the initial legalization.
KCRG
Medical Cannabis Reaches North Alabama
Alabama Health Officials Withdraw Rescheduling Objection
The Alabama Department of Public Health has officially withdrawn its objection to the federal rescheduling of marijuana. As reported in [Alabama public health officials withdraw objection to federal marijuana rescheduling](https://www.fox10tv.com/2026/09/18/alabama-public-health-officials-withdraw-objection-federal-marijuana-rescheduling), officials noted that the state has established its own robust framework for medical cannabis and needs time to evaluate how federal changes might interact with it. What are your thoughts on how federal rescheduling might impact our state program?
FOX10 News
Alabama Health Officials Withdraw Rescheduling Objection
Alabama Withdraws Objection to Federal Rescheduling
The Alabama Department of Public Health has unanimously voted to withdraw its objection to the federal rescheduling of marijuana to Schedule III. State health officials confirmed that this change will not negatively impact Alabama's medical cannabis program or patient access. Have you noticed any changes at your local pharmacy or dispensary recently?
Black Belt News Network
Alabama Withdraws Objection to Federal Rescheduling
New Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens in Athens
Alabama's medical cannabis program is expanding into North Alabama with a new dispensary opening in Athens. This marks another step forward for patients who have been waiting for closer access to their medication. What has your experience been like visiting the newly opened dispensaries in our state?
KOLO TV
New Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens in Athens
Talladega Medical Cannabis Dispensary to Open
The second medical cannabis dispensary in Alabama was announced to open in Talladega in late August 2026. This expansion provides much-needed access to registered patients in the central part of the state.
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission
Talladega Medical Cannabis Dispensary to Open
Second Medical Cannabis Dispensary to Open in Talladega
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission announced that the state's second medical cannabis dispensary will open in Talladega. This marks another step forward in expanding patient access across the state during the summer of 2026.
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission
Second Medical Cannabis Dispensary to Open in Talladega
Second Medical Marijuana Dispensary Set to Open
Alabama is expanding its medical cannabis access with a second dispensary preparing to open. A third location is also on the way to serve qualified patients.
AL.com
Second Medical Marijuana Dispensary Set to Open
Alabama Considers Opting Out of Federal Rescheduling
The Alabama State Committee of Public Health has objected to automatic adoption of federal marijuana rescheduling. Officials are currently reviewing how the federal change interacts with state law and the medical cannabis program.
MJBizDaily
Alabama Considers Opting Out of Federal Rescheduling
AMCC Publishes April 2026 Meeting Minutes
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has officially published the minutes from its April 9, 2026 meeting. The session was originally called to order by Chairman Sam Blakemore.
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission
AMCC Publishes April 2026 Meeting Minutes
ADPH Holds Hearing on Marijuana Reclassification
The Alabama State Committee of Public Health held a public hearing to consider allowing the rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. The committee previously objected to the federal rescheduling to evaluate its impact on Alabama's new medical marijuana framework. Written comments from the public will be accepted until August 5.
WSFA
ADPH Holds Hearing on Marijuana Reclassification
AMCC Notice of Public Investigative Hearing
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission announced a public investigative hearing regarding an integrated facility. The hearing will be conducted by the Commission's designated hearing officer, the Hon. Bernard Harwood.
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission
AMCC Notice of Public Investigative Hearing
First Alabama Dispensary Sees Over 100 Patients in Week 1
Over 100 qualifying patients have purchased medical cannabis since Alabama's first dispensary opened on June 4, 2026. The state's medical cannabis law allows registered physicians to recommend cannabis for about 15 qualifying medical conditions.
News From The States
First Alabama Dispensary Sees Over 100 Patients in Week 1
First Medical Cannabis Store Opens in Alabama
After years of delays, Alabama's first medical cannabis dispensary has officially opened its doors. This marks a major milestone for the state's medical marijuana program.
News From The States
First Medical Cannabis Store Opens in Alabama
Alabama's First Medical Cannabis Dispensary Set to Open
Alabama is days away from opening its first medical cannabis dispensary to patients, nearly five years after legalization. Callie's Apothecary in Montgomery will offer products like gel cubes, tinctures, and lozenges to registered patients. Raw plant material and smokable forms remain prohibited under state law.
WRBL
Alabama's First Medical Cannabis Dispensary Set to Open
AMCC Prepares Dispensaries While Patients Seek Guidance
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has begun training dispensary staff ahead of the state's first opening. Meanwhile, patient advocates are urging the state to launch a public education campaign on how to access the system.
WSFA
AMCC Prepares Dispensaries While Patients Seek Guidance