Alabama approves first MMJ dispensaries after years of delays

After years of delays, Alabama is finally making progress on launching medical marijuana sales.

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) on Thursday unanimously approved dispensaries licenses for three companies: GP6 Wellness, RJK and CCS of Alabama, according to WVTM 13.

The award of the fourth dispensary license available under state law is on hold for 46 days, but could be awarded in January, according to Al.com.

The first three MMJ dispensaries could be licensed by Jan. 8, more than two years after licenses were granted to cultivators and transporters. Cultivators have already harvested several crops.

When the licenses are issued, doctors can start recommending medical marijuana to their patients.

The first sale could then come by the spring, AMCC Chair Rex Vaughn said, according to the Alabama Reporter.

How many medical marijuana permits are available in Alabama?

Medical cannabis was legalized in Alabama in 2021, but lawsuits challenging the licensing process have kept dispensaries from opening.

Sales could reach $270 million in 2026, according to an MJBiz Factbook projection.

Each dispensary permit holder will be able to open up to three dispensary locations each.

Another five licenses are available for vertically integrated business, and each vertically integrated licensee will be allowed to have five dispensaries.

But those permits are still on hold, AL.com reported.

Applicants had to meet a host of strict conditions, including proving the majority owners had lived in Alabama for 15 years.

When is medical cannabis available in Alabama?

GP6 Wellness is planning dispensaries in Birmingham, Attalla and Athens, while CCS of Alabama will set up shop in Montgomery, Talladega and Cullman.

Both groups want to be operational by the spring.

Evani Patel of GP6 said the company focused on areas where the most patients needed access.

Vince Schilleci of CCS said the process has been frustrating but the company “kept an eye on the prize.”

The delays have been especially tough on cultivators like Antonie Mordican, who’s been growing cannabis for years without anyone to sell to.

Mordican said he’s spent more than $100,000 in license fees, so he’s relieved that the market is opening.

“It’s been quite frustrating to still be operating and growing and producing product and biomass and not generating any revenue,” Mordican said. “But I’m happy we’re here.”