ALABAMA – The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 to discuss potential changes to the rules governing licensed medical cannabis businesses in the state’s medical cannabis program.
The meeting comes just days after a Gadsden physician became one of only five doctors statewide certified to recommend medical cannabis to patients.
Commission members said they want to update and tighten regulations to address issues that have surfaced since licensees began operating. The commission approved a set of proposed changes that will now move into a public comment period lasting at least 35 days.
The proposed revisions cover general provisions, patient and caregiver regulations, and application and licensing requirements. Among the most discussed topics were creating a clearer and more consolidated process for ownership changes, making procedures more robust and flexible, and strengthening security measures for transporting lab samples.
Next Steps in the Process
The commission is expected to meet again on March, 12 to continue reviewing feedback and refining the proposals. Officials emphasized that the changes under consideration will not affect doctors already certified to recommend medical cannabis or companies currently operating under existing licenses.
Progress Amid Delays
Alabama’s medical cannabis program has been marked by both advances and delays since it first became a subject of debate. The recent certification of five doctors to recommend cannabis represents a step forward in expanding patient access. As the commission works to refine its regulatory framework, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the proposed changes will shape the future of medical cannabis in the state.
