Alabama patients have waited nearly five years for medical cannabis dispensaries to open, with legal delays, licensing disputes, and regulatory changes pushing the initial expected launch. Now, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission is preparing for the first dispensary to open its doors.

The first location to open, according to the commission, will be Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery and they are preparing to serve their first patient on May 4.

As many as nine dispensary locations are licensed and should be opening soon around the State of Alabama. An additional three (3) retail dispensing sites may be added with the issuance of an additional Dispensary license.

So How Do You Become Eligible For Cannabis Treatment?

To receive a medical cannabis card, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• Be a resident of Alabama;
• Be at least 19 years of age, or have your parent or legal guardian serve as your registered caregiver;
• Have a qualifying medical condition;
• Receive a recommendation from an Alabama physician certified by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners to make medical cannabis recommendations; and
• Be registered on the AMCC’s patient registry system

What is the process for being placed on the patient registry system?

To be placed on the patient registry system, you must receive diagnosis of a qualifying medical condition from a registered certifying physician. If the physician recommends the use of medical cannabis, then the physician will enter the patient’s information and recommendation on the patient registry system. The patient is then eligible to complete a patient registration and apply for a medical cannabis card.

How do I find a physician to recommend medical cannabis treatment?

Physicians must be certified by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners (ALBME) and registered by AMCC to recommend medical cannabis treatment. ALBME requires physicians to complete a medical cannabis training course and be certified.

What are the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis treatment?

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Cancer related cachexia, nausea or vomiting, weight loss, chronic pain
• Crohn’s Disease
• Depression
• Epilepsy or a condition causing seizures
• HIV/AIDS – related nausea or weight loss
• Panic Disorder
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Persistent nausea
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Spasticity associated with Multiple Sclerosis or spinal cord injury
• A terminal illness
• Tourette’s Syndrome
• Condition causing chronic or intractable pain

The first dispensary in Baldwin County is scheduled to be in Daphne, Alabama. The official opening date for the location has yet to be published.