How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Alabama

What is an MMJ Card in Alabama?

A medical marijuana card (MMJ) in Alabama is held by eligible patients and caregivers to give them access to medical cannabis. MMJ cardholders in the state qualify to purchase and possess marijuana as provided by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC).

In 2021, Alabama joined other medical marijuana legal states after passing SB 46 (the Darren Wesley Ato Hall Compassion Act), which advocated for registered patients and caregivers to use and safely access medical cannabis upon a physician’s certification, into law. However, the Alabama medical marijuana program is still under development. According to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, registration for patients and caregivers is yet to commence till the commission awards marijuana business licenses.

Who Can Apply for an MMJ Card in Alabama?

Registration for an MMJ card in Alabama is open to patients and caregivers who are permanent state residents. Patients must have a qualifying health issue and obtain certification from a physician authorized by the State Board of Medical Examiners.

A caregiver who is not the parent or guardian of a qualified patient must be 21 years or older to apply for an MMJ card in Alabama. Caregivers registered with the AMCC can use their MMJ card to purchase and possess medical cannabis but may not consume medical cannabis products unless registered as qualified patients.

Can a Minor Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Alabama?

Yes, a minor can get a medical marijuana card in Alabama. Although the required age to get an MMJ card is 19, younger patients can also obtain the card.

Under the Darren Wesley Ato Hall Compassion Act, minors can obtain a medical marijuana card under the following conditions:

• The minor must be a resident of Alabama
• A qualified physician in the state must certify that the minor patient has any of the qualifying medical conditions and recommend the patient for the medical cannabis program
• Minors cannot consume or be prescribed medical cannabis products with more than 3% THC concentration
• The caregiver of a minor patient must be a parent or guardian

A registered minor patient can use medical cannabis but is prohibited from purchasing or possessing it.

What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Cards in Alabama in 2024?

Only residents with certain debilitating health conditions qualify to register for a medical marijuana card in Alabama. Applicants must visit a licensed physician to certify that they suffer from one or more qualifying medical conditions before recommendation for the state medical cannabis program.

Under the Darren Wesley Ato Hall Compassion Act, diagnosis of any or more of the following medical conditions qualify an individual for a medical marijuana card in Alabama:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Panic disorder
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Crohn’s disease
• Tourette’s syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease
• Sickle cell anemia
• Epilepsy or an infection causing seizures
• HIV/AIDS-related nausea or weight loss

How Do I Apply for an MMJ Card in Alabama in 2024?

When Alabama commences registration for an MMJ card, the first step to applying is getting certified by a physician eligible to recommend medical cannabis. However, the official card application process has not been rolled out because the state’s medical marijuana program is still under development.

Per the Darren Wesley Ato Hall Compassion Act, the AMCC will establish the Alabama Medical Cannabis Patient Registry System to create and provide an integrated, electronic patient and caregiver registry. The system will receive, record and track all aspects of the patient and caregiver qualifications.

Moreover, the AMCC will also be responsible for developing the application process for an MMJ card. The process will include, but not be limited to:

• Getting an application form
• Completing the form and submitting it with the required documents
• Payment of up to $65 as an application fee

How Does a Primary Caregiver Get an Alabama MMIC?

An Alabama MMIC (Medical Marijuana Identification Card) identifies the holder as a medical marijuana patient or primary caregiver. The card’s purpose is to demonstrate that the holder can legally possess, purchase, or use medical marijuana in Alabama.

A primary caregiver with an Alabama MMIC must meet these qualifications:

• Be an Alabama resident
• At least 21 years old
• Register with the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission
• Issued a medical cannabis caregiver card

Unlike a patient, a primary caregiver can only buy and possess medical cannabis. Alabama MMIC for caregivers does not authorize the holders to use medical cannabis unless registered as a patient. Although there are limited official instructions on getting an Alabama MMIC as a caregiver, the registration will begin once the AMCC awards enough marijuana business licenses to kick off the medical marijuana program. At the minimum, expect to fill out an application form and enter the required information into an electronic caregiver registry.

How long does it take to get an Alabama MMIC?

The duration to get an Alabama MMIC cannot be determined until the registration begins officially.

Getting an Alabama Medical Marijuana Card Online

It is not clear if the AMCC will adopt an online application process for the Alama medical marijuana card. The AMCC will advise qualified patients once the medical marijuana program launches.

How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost in Alabama?

Under the Darren Wesley Ato Hall Compassion Act, getting a medical marijuana card will not cost more than $65. The stipulated fee may cover the entire process of applying for the card and will be payable to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card in Alabama?

Although Alabama is not yet accepting applications for medical cannabis cards, expect to provide some documents when the medical marijuana program finally launches. Such documents may include:

• Document showing proof of Alabama residency
• Certification from a physician: The certification document will show that a patient has been diagnosed with a medical condition and the physician recommends medical cannabis
• A valid identity document recognized in Alabama
• A document showing proof of age: This may be necessary for minor patients and eligible caregivers younger than 21 years old

What Information appears on an Alabama Medical Marijuana Card?

Under the Darren Wesley Ato Hall Compassion Act, Alabama medical marijuana cards must not be subject to forgery and tampering. Therefore, every medical marijuana card issued shall include all of the following:

1. The name and address of the cardholder
2. The date of birth of the qualified patient or caregiver, as applicable
3. A photograph of the cardholder
4. Identification of the cardholder as a registered patient or a caregiver
5. The expiration date of the card, as determined by the commission
6. The statement: "This card is only valid in the State of Alabama"

Can Someone Track me Down through the Alabama Registry?

The patient and caregiver registry available on the Alabama Medical Cannabis Patient Registry System will contain the information of MMJ card holders. Although the registry will not be available as public information, the Alabama registry is accessible to the following:

• State and local law enforcement agencies: In this case, law enforcement agencies can access the registry if they have probable cause or reasonable suspicion that a registrant violated a controlled substance law or was driving under the influence of marijuana. Note that authorized agencies can only obtain limited information about the investigation, such as the offender's medical cannabis card information or details about the prescription dosage and type of medical cannabis recommended
• Dispensaries
• Licensed healthcare practitioners can access the registry to prescribe drugs
• The State Board of Medical Examiners
• Licensed pharmacists
• Physicians who are eligible to certify the cause for medical marijuana