The demand for legal medical cannabis in our state is constantly growing. According to a recent poll conducted by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Association (AMCA) and the Mowry Consulting Group in October 2022, 79 percent of respondents supported medical marijuana while 9 percent opposed it. This overwhelming cross-party support demonstrates not only the consumers’ need for this product, but also the government’s need for a safely regulated business environment. It’s a new endeavor for Alabama, and to succeed, this burgeoning industry needs a diligent advocate.
We founded (AMCA) to promote safe, affordable, and accessible medicinal cannabis to the people of Alabama who need it. Our organization serves as an accountable resource for policymakers; advocates a favorable social, economic and legal environment for this new business field; and boosts Alabamaans’ confidence in the medicinal cannabis industry. Amidst the deadly street drugs of fentanyl and the opioid epidemic ravaging our state, there has never been a greater need for controlled, medically prescribed cannabis. AMCA’s goal is to make Alabama’s medicinal cannabis industry a sound operation that saves lives and alleviates suffering while supporting local agriculture and small businesses.
We started our organization from a place of compassion and our mission has been met with confidence by local leaders. To date, 37 municipalities and local governments statewide have enacted ordinances and orders with AMCA to authorize the operation of medicinal cannabis dispensaries in their local jurisdictions. It’s clear that the people of Alabama are looking for a solution to our deadly drug problem, and we believe a safe, regulated medicinal cannabis industry will bring much-needed relief.
Local businesses met our enthusiasm. From September 1 to October 17, 2022, the Commission received 607 business proposal requests. The different license categories include Integrated Facility (with 133 applications), Cultivator (with 124 applications), Processor (with 35 applications), Dispensary (with 239 applications), Secure Transporter (with 69 applications) and State Testing Laboratory (with 7 applications). ).
Alabama is the 37th state to legalize cannabis. AMCA is in a prime position to learn from the successes and failures of our neighbors to help Alabama’s burgeoning cannabis industry thrive. As a trusted resource, AMCA is dedicated to sharing this valuable information with growers, policy makers, businesses and consumers through educational courses.
We believe in the power of medicinal cannabis to change Alabama for the better. It is a reliable solution for patients in need as well as an antidote to our state’s illegal drug and opioid epidemic. At the same time, creating a strong regulatory framework for producers and traders will only boost our economy. The numbers don’t lie: the demand for medicinal cannabis is stronger than ever, and we’re ready to ship it safely and securely to the people of Alabama.