MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission announced during their April meeting that Alabama’s first-ever dispensary is expected to serve its inaugural patient on May 4. Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery will be the first location to open its doors.
Prior to the meeting, some commission members toured Callie’s Apothecary. AMCC Chairman Dr. Sam Blakemore noted, “Callie’s Apothecary put me at home. It reminded me of being back at a pharmacy.”
AMCC Director John McMillan explained the security measures in place: “A patient will not be able to even enter the door unless a picture is taken of their medical cannabis card and relayed through the system. It’s just amazing. Cameras everywhere, lights everywhere, locks everywhere.”
Expansion of Dispensaries
Currently, there are three licensed dispensers in the state, each permitted to operate three locations. Dr. Blakemore expects all nine dispensaries to be operational by summer. “We’re waiting on the fourth license that’s still held up, so hopefully by the fourth quarter we’ll have all 12 operational,” he stated.
During the meeting, the commission revealed that over 40 physicians have received approval to prescribe medical cannabis from the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, with 66 medical cannabis cards issued thus far. The commission anticipates these numbers will grow as the program becomes fully operational.
Dr. Blakemore emphasized the importance of price transparency for patients, referencing price data from Minnesota where monthly costs for medical cannabis typically range from $150 to $200, depending on the diagnosis.
Authorized Locations
According to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, dispensaries are set to open in several locations, including:
- Athens (Limestone County)
- Attalla (Etowah County)
- Birmingham (Jefferson County)
- Cullman (Cullman County)
- Daphne (Baldwin County)
- Mobile (Mobile County)
- Montgomery (Montgomery County)
- Oxford (Calhoun County)
- Talladega (Talladega County)
Dr. Blakemore indicated that if the commission identifies issues with accessibility, they will reconsider the number of dispensaries needed in the state.
Legislative Context and Business Impact
The establishment of the AMCC and the legality of medical marijuana were approved by Alabama lawmakers in 2021. Various legal proceedings have contributed to delays in patient access. Ongoing litigation regarding integrated license applicants will not impact the product rollout anticipated in May.
Ray French, CEO of Specialty Medical Products, expressed optimism about the future: “At the end of the day, getting patients medicine is what it’s all about. We’re very encouraged by the proceedings with the independent licenses and we’re hopeful that at the end we’ll also have an opportunity to participate.”
Dr. Blakemore was elected commission chairman during the April meeting, succeeding Rex Vaughn, who was recently appointed as Madison County Commission Chairman by the governor.