BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After years of legal delays and disputes, Alabama’s medical cannabis program may finally be on the verge of moving forward. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) announced that the process of awarding licenses is gaining momentum, with investigative hearings now underway.
Originally, licenses were awarded to a number of applicants in December 2023. However, the celebration was short-lived. Several applicants whose proposals were rejected quickly filed legal challenges, arguing that the process lacked fairness and transparency. These legal battles brought the entire program to a standstill, delaying access for patients and businesses alike.
Now, the process has shifted to investigative hearings—a key component that was always part of the legislative requirement for launching Alabama’s medical cannabis program. During these hearings, applicants must present their case before a judge, defending why they should receive a license and why competing applicants should not.
"Now, it’s a wait and see with an independent party handling the process," said Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Director John McMillan. "We’re looking forward to the end result and getting those licenses issued and getting this program up and going."
For applicants like Joey Robertson, who was originally awarded a license, the delays have been deeply frustrating—not just for business reasons, but because of the patients waiting in limbo. “I truly feel sorry,” said Robertson. “There are so many treatable conditions with these products, and these people have done without. The people that have suffered are the patients, not us as much.”
Robertson expects to have his hearing before the judge in the coming month. Still, there’s no clear timeline on when final decisions will be made. McMillan noted that it may take several more months before the state announces who will officially be granted licenses to operate.
Despite the slow pace, many see the hearings as a necessary step to ensure a fair, legally sound foundation for Alabama’s cannabis industry. Stakeholders remain hopeful that once the legal process concludes, the program can finally serve patients in need across the state.
As Alabama navigates the last hurdles of launching its medical marijuana program, the focus remains on building a system that is equitable, accountable, and—most importantly—ready to meet the urgent medical needs of its residents.
