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How to get medical marijuanas in Alabama
To obtain medical marijuana in Alabama, patients must follow the guidelines outlined under the Darren Wesley ‘Ato’ Hall Compassion Act, passed in 2021. While the program is operational as of 2024, access is highly regulated.
Step 1: Qualify for a Debilitating Medical Condition
A patient must be diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions approved by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC). These include:
- Cancer
- ALS
- Crohn’s disease
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- PTSD
- Chronic pain (if traditional therapies have failed)
- Terminal illnesses, among others.
Step 2: Obtain a Physician Certification
Patients must consult with a physician who is registered and certified with the AMCC. The physician evaluates whether the patient’s condition justifies medical cannabis use and, if so, issues a recommendation, not a prescription (since marijuana remains federally illegal).
Step 3: Register with the AMCC
Patients must then apply for a medical cannabis card through the AMCC’s patient registry system. This involves:
- Submitting personal and medical information
- Paying a registration fee (typically around $65 annually)
- Providing proof of Alabama residency
Step 4: Buy from a Dispensary with a License
Upon approval, patients can purchase medical marijuana only from AMCC-licensed dispensaries. Alabama law prohibits smokable, edible (candy/baked), or raw plant cannabis. Only approved forms such as:
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Gels
- Oils
- Suppositories
- Transdermal patches
- Inhalable oils
- Topical creams
Important Notes:
- Home cultivation is not allowed.
- Patients under 19 require a registered caregiver.
- Cannabis use while driving is still prohibited.
Patients should consult the AMCC website for the latest forms, doctor lists, and dispensary updates.
