*Alabama's Medical Cannabis Program*
TIMELINE FOR APPLICATIONS & LICENSING
Rules & Regulations **Chapter 3-Appendix A, contains the timeline for applications and licensing--This is assuming that all the rules/regs become final and effective on October 17, 2022.
The timeline is dated: Thursday September 1, 2022 to Monday July 10, 2023
https://amcc.alabama.gov/about/resources/
Melissa Mullins, Lobbyist
*Alabama's Medical Cannabis Program*
ALL RULES & REGULATIONS
Here you will find each chapter of regulations with 2 extras. 1. Rules & Regulations, for Cultivation, from the AL Dept of Agriculture and Industries, 2. The final copy of Administrative Rules governing physician certification & recommendation for the use of Medical Cannabis.
When we get the final copy of all R/R, we will update this section.
CHAPTER 1: General Provisions, Scope & Construction of Rules
CHAPTER 2: Regulation of Patients & Caregivers
CHAPTER 3: Applications & Licensing Requirements-General
CHAPTER 4: Licensee Requirements
CHAPTER 5: Regulation of Cultivators
https://amcc.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FINAL-Chapter-5-Regulation-of-Cultivators-1.pdf
CHAPTER 5: Proposed Administrative Rules Governing Medical Cannabis Cultivation--Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries
https://amcc.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AG-80-14-1-Certified.pdf
CHAPTER 6: Regulation of Processors
https://amcc.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FINAL-Chapter-6-Regulation-of-Processors-1.pdf
CHAPTER 7: Regulation of Secure Transporters
CHAPTER 8: Regulation of Dispensaries
https://amcc.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FINAL-Chapter-8-Regulation-of-Dispensaries-1.pdf
CHAPTER 9: Regulation of Integrated Facilities
CHAPTER 10: Regulation of State Testing Laboratories
Alabama Board of Medical Examiners Rule for Physician Certification-FINAL
https://amcc.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Physician-Rules-Final-Copy.pdf
https://amcc.alabama.gov/about/resources/
Melissa Mullins, Lobbyist
CANNABIS IN ALABAMA NEWS & UPDATES
Public Hearing on ALL the Rules & Regulations that will govern Alabama's Medical Cannabis Program
On Thursday July 14, 2022 the Medical Cannabis Commission (Alabama) held a public hearing to accept comments and concerns from citizens.
Comments are still being accepted until Friday August 5, 2022. See the image for submission details.
On August 11th, the Commission will meet again with the goal of adopting the Rules and Regulations, as amended.
The final Rules and Regulations will be published on August 31. These will be the Rules/Regulations that govern the program.
How to submit comments and concerns
CANNABIS IN ALABAMA NEWS & UPDATES
2/16/2022-Legislative Day 11
SB160-11th Legislative Day Events:
The Senate Judiciary committee voted the Decriminalization/Expungement bill out of committee this morning. The vote was 5Y-4N. I have requested a detailed vote-
The Senate went into session today at 3pm, cst and SB160 was placed on the calendar for the next Legislative (12th) day-for debate and hopeful vote.
The Senate will convene at 9am, cst tomorrow, February 17, 2022. SB160 (Decrim/Exp) will be heard and hopefully a vote. I do not know if it is 1st or last on the calendar- I will know that when they get started calling bills. This is where we will also find out if Senator Singleton requested it to be added to the Special Order Calendar.
IF it is placed on the SOC- that calendar will take precedence over the regular calendar. We will know about 15-20 minutes into the session tomorrow.
Unfortunately, that is just the process.
*Keep the Faith--Stay the Course*
As always I will update any movement.
There was no movement on SB144-The D8 Ban- today.
Melissa Chappell Mullins
Founder/President
Alabama Registered Lobbyist
Autism, Epilepsy, Cannabis, Disability Rights & Special Education/Needs Activist
Political Candidate Endorsement
We are proud to announce that we have chosen to Endorse State Senator Tom Whatley for reelection to
Wednesday, January 12, 2022On behalf of Alabamians 4 Medical Cannabis Freedom & Disability Rights, I am proud to announce our first Political Candidate Endorsement for 2022. I have attached the press release in pdf form and have copied/pasted the language here for your convenience.
January 12, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
To: All Media Outlets, Social Media Engagements
Alabamians 4 Medical Cannabis Freedom & Disability Rights is proud to announce our first Political Endorsement for 2022. State Senator Tom Whatley is an amazing legislator and representative for his constituents in the Senate district 27. He has brought about positive change in the community and never backs down from a challenge. He faces issues head on but with respect and commitment.
Senator Whatley, along with previous Senator Cam Ward, was extremely instrumental in advancing Autism Insurance reform in 2017 and has continued to fight for those affected by Autism in any legislation to date. He sees the importance of protecting Alabama farmers and showed that in 2021 by adding amendments to SB46, Alabama’s Medical Cannabis program, that would make sure they are treated fairly. Senator Whatley is also a Military Veteran. He knows and actively protects Veterans and their families.
We can not thank Senator Tom Whatley enough for all of his hard work and dedication to the people in Senate District 27. You may visit his website at https://www.tomwhatleyforsenate.com/
Lets keep Tom working for us and being our voice in Montgomery!
Alabamians 4 Medical Cannabis Freedom & Disability Rights is committed and dedicated to fighting for YOU—THE PATIENT—in Montgomery. Keep the Faith & Stay the Course!
PRESS RELEASE
Alabama’s Medical Cannabis Program Information
10th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting-4/14/22
10th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting-4/14/22
10th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting-4/14/22
Thursday June 9, 2022-the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission will meet for it's 10th meeting. More details will be provided when released.
9th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting-4/14/22
10th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting-4/14/22
10th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting-4/14/22
Thursday May 12, 2022-the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission will meet for it's 9th meeting. More details will be provided when released.
8th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting-4/14/22
10th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting-4/14/22
8th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting-4/14/22
Thursday April 14, 2022-the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission will meet for it's 8th meeting. More details will be provided when released.
7th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting-3/10/22
7th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting-3/10/22
8th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting-4/14/22
Thursday March 10, 2022-the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission met for its 7th meeting since being established in August of 2021. I have attached a LIVE feed link , click the -FIND OUT MORE- button to watch the LIVE feed. There will be more information to come within the next 48-72 hours as I will post notes and a full breakdown of where we are at with the progression of the Alabama Medical Cannabis program.
5th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting
7th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting-3/10/22
5th Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Meeting
ALL meetings are open to the public and are streamed via Zoom. Our FB page/group has an event setup with many more details.
*Alabama's Medical Cannabis Program*
MEDICAL CANNABIS REQUIRED TESTING ON PRODUCTS
Rules & Regulations **Chapter 10-Appendix A, contains specific details on the testing requirements for Medical Cannabis by any approved State Testing Laboratories
https://amcc.alabama.gov/about/resources/
Melissa Mullins, Lobbyist
ACTION ALERT*CALL TO ACTION*ACTION ALERT
MAKE OUR MEDICAL CANNABIS PROGRAM COMPETITIVE
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission released the Schedule of Fees, Penalties & Fines, for Patients/Caregivers, Business Applications and License Fees today. Upon reading the schedule, it is going to be EXTREMELY difficult for Alabama's small businesses to compete with big corporations and investment opportunities to those big corporations. We did unfortunately anticipate the costs would be high but not to the extent that they actually are. As you may recall, when we issued our 2023 Legislative Initiatives/Asks last month, we included one directly towards allowing small business to have a fighting chance in the field of Medical Cannabis in Alabama. We must level the playing field and make the Medical Cannabis Program COMPETITIVE.
We are asks you, the public, to make your voices heart. BE LOUD AND MEANINGFUL.
Comments can always be subitted to the commission by using their contact form on the website: https://amcc.alabama.gov/contact/
Here is where you can find the Schedule of Fees, Penalties & Fines: https://amcc.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-2023-AMCC-Schedule-of-Fees-Penalties-Fines.pdf
IN ADDITION TO WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY MADE AVAIABLE TO YOU**
Here is where you can find the information about licensing, patients and caregivers. https://amcc.alabama.gov/cannabis-business-applicants/
AS ALWAYS--PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL AND KIND IN ANY AND ALL COMMUNICATIONS.
If you have any questions/concerns please direct those to
Melissa Mullins, AL Registered Lobbyist and Founder
ACTION ALERT*CALL TO ACTION*ACTION ALERT
SENATOR TIM MELSONS BAN ON CANNABIS AVAILABILITY FOR INDIVIDUALS 21 AND UNDER. SB326
OUR SYNOPSIS/THOUGHTS
The bill will be heard in the Senate Governmental Affairs committee tomorrow- Tuesday 3/29 at 2pm. The hearing will be in the Finance & Taxation room. It is open to be public--
After reading the 4 page bill-Here are my thoughts-WARNING: You may not like my opinion but I have committed complete transparency with you guys--This is a good bill! Why?- How many times a day do we all say, STOP GETTING YOUR CANNABIS FROM A GAS STATION-this bill will prohibit anyone UNDER 21 years of age from buying distributing, marketing or possessing the D8 (or any Cannabinoid) products. Furthermore, any violation of this will be punishable by a Class B misdemeanor.
What is a Class B misdemeanor in Alabama and what penalty does it carry?
The state of Alabama defines a misdemeanor as "an offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment not in excess of one year may be imposed." Class B misdemeanors charges could result in jail sentences of up to six (6) months and fines of up to $3,000.00. Further, when a charge has been dismissed without prejudice, expungement may be sought after a period of time (two years in the case of misdemeanor, traffic or municipal offenses or five years for a nonviolent felony) if the charge has not been refiled, and the person has not been convicted of any other felony.
Let me be clear: I do not agree with the penalty for one simple reason: It allows for someone who is completely innocent (maybe they do not know their passenger has possession of such product) to get wrapped up in the criminal system. EDITED TO ADD---I also think that we need to reevaluate the age cap-21? I would think the age cap should be 19. A business pointed out to me that a 21 year old cap would eliminate college students from using CBD in an effort to ease anxiety. Another point of view is this: So a 19 year old can commit to the military and defend our country, but they can't buy or consume Hemp derived cannabinoids, like CBD-
I think we need to look at an amendment that will carve out stipulations for these types of situations.-I have reached out to a few Senators and expressed my concern-
We will stream the meeting LIVE on our fb page Alabamians 4 Medical Cannabis Freedom & Disability Rights and group.
*This does not include medical cannabis under the recent law from 2021*
Melissa Mullins, AL Registered Lobbyist/Founder of AL4MCF/DR
Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Hearing
The bill will be heard in the Senate Governmental Affairs committee tomorrow- Tuesday 3/29 at 2pm. The hearing will be in the Finance & Taxation room. It is open to be public--
IF you would like to email the committee members here are the members and their emails. I have also included Senator Tim Melson and his contact information.
Jimmy Holley--Chairperson
jimmy.holley@alsenate.gov/334-261-0845
Chris Elliott--Vice Chairperson
chris.elliott@alsenate.gov/334-261-0897
Linda Coleman-Madison--Ranking Minority Member
lcolemanmadison926@yahoo.com/334-261-0864
Tom Butler--Member
senbutler@aol.com/334-261-0884
Arthur Orr--Member
arthur.orr@alsenate.gov/334-261-0758
Garlan Gudger--Member
garlan.gudger@alsenate.gov/334-261-0855
Sam Givhan--Member
sam.givhan@alsenate.gov/334-261-0867
Dan Roberts--Member
dan.roberts@alsenate.gov/334-261-0851
Shay Shelnutt--Member
shay.sd17@gmail.com/334-261-0794
Greg Albritton--Member
galbritton@att.net/334-261-0785
Malika Sanders-Fortier--Member
malika.sanders-fortier@alsenate.gov/334-261-0860
Clyde Chambliss--Member
clyde.chambliss@alsenate.gov/334-261-0872
Tim Melson--Sponsor of the bill:
tim.melson@alsenate.gov/334-261-0773
**ACTION ALERT**CALL TO ACTION**ACTION ALERT**
Senate Bill 160--Decriminalization and Expungement Bill
ACTION ALERT--CALL TO ACTION--ACTION ALERT
February 15, 2022
Hello fellow Cannabis Advocates.
We have a bill-SB160- that will be in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow morning at 8:30am, cst. It will be up for a vote to either pass to the Full Senate or Fail in committee. I am asking for each of you to please email and/or call the Senate Judiciary Committee members and urge them to vote YES. A YES vote will move it out of committee and onto the Senate for a debate and vote. I have copied/pasted the committee members below with their contact information.
The bill will amend the existing Crimes of Unlawful possession of Cannabis (1st and 2nd degree), revise the existing criminal code and provide for expungement of a charge, finding or conviction under certain circumstances.
You can view the bill HERE
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I will be streaming the proceedings tomorrow morning LIVE on our Facebook Lobbyist Page.
Senate Judiciary Committee Member Contact Information
Senator Greg Albritton-R 334-261-0785 galbritton@att.net SB46-YES
Senator Will Barfoot-R 334-261-0895 will.barfoot@alsenate.gov Vice Chairperson SB46-YES
Senator Linda M. Coleman-D 334-261-0864 lcolemanmadison926@yahoo.com SB46-YES
Senator Vivian Figures-D 334-261-0871 vivian.figures@alsenate.gov SB46-YES
Senator Sam Givhan-R 334-261-0867 sam.givhan@alsenate.gov SB46- ABSTAINED
Senator Del Marsh-R 334-261-0712 del.marsh@alsenate.gov SB46- NA
Senator Arthur Orr-R 334-261-0758 arthur.orr@alsenate.gov SB46-NO
Senator Greg Reed-R 334-261-0894 greg.reed@alsenate.gov SB46- NO
Senator Malika S. Fortier-D 334-261-0860 malika.sanders-fortier@alsenate.gov SB46-NA
Senator Bobby Singleton-D 334-261-0335 bsingle362@gmail.com SB46-YES
Senator Rodger M. Smitherman-D 334-261-0870 rodger.smitherman@alsenate.gov Ranking Minority Member SB46-YES
Senator Larry Stutts-R 334-261-0862 larry.stutts@alsenate.gov SB46-NO
Senator Tom Whatley-R 334-261-0865 tom.whatley@alsenate.gov Chairperson SB46-NA
PRESS RELEASE FOR SENATE BILL 160
PRESS RELEASE PAGE 1
PRESS RELEASE PAGE 1
PRESS RELEASE PAGE 1
PRESS RELEASE PAGE 2
PRESS RELEASE PAGE 1
PRESS RELEASE PAGE 1
PRESS RELEASE PAGE 3
PRESS RELEASE PAGE 1
PRESS RELEASE PAGE 3
Action Alerts & Important Information
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Releases Draft Rules
The State Board of Medical Examiners Thursday issued draft rules on physicians offering Medical Cannabis to patients.
Alabamians for Medical Cannabis Freedom, which supported the medical cannabis bill, said in a statement the draft rules followed the legislation passed earlier this year and did not come as a surprise. But the group said it had some concerns with the directions on conventional treatment.
"Can the treatments that have been tried previously by the patients general or specialty physician not serve as the 'prereq' that is required?" the statement said. "If not, then the patient is still looking at 2-3 months of trying treatments that did not work previously. Most medications take 6-8 weeks to absorb. Here again, we have suffering patients and dying patients because of a rule that should not really be in place. "
ACTION ALERT ⚠️ 📢 ACTION ALERT
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has issued its Draft Rules for certifying physicians to recommend Medical Cannabis to qualified patients.
The public can read the draft rules-attached to this post- and make public comments by emailing the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners at
bme@albme.gov
So that your comment gets to the correct place: Please use the following Subject Line:
Public comment on Proposed Alabama Admin. Code r540-x-25-.01, et.seq
Alabamians for Medical Cannabis Freedom, which supported the medical cannabis bill, said in a statement the draft rules followed the legislation passed earlier this year and did not come as a surprise. But the group said it had some concerns with the directions on conventional treatment.
"Can the treatments that have been tried previously by the patients general or specialty physician not serve as the 'prereq' that is required?" the statement said. "If not, then the patient is still looking at 2-3 months of trying treatments that did not work previously. Most medications take 6-8 weeks to absorb. Here again, we have suffering patients and dying patients because of a rule that should not really be in
Detail your services
If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.
Announce coming events
Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.
Display real testimonials
Are your customers raving about you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.
Promote current deals
Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.
Display their FAQs
Customers have questions, you have answers. Display the most frequently asked questions, so everybody benefits.