Alabama Marijuana Laws
With marijuana legislation springing up across different states, it can be hard to keep up. Alabama marijuana laws can be somewhat complicated since as in the past few years, state Senators have repeatedly passed bills in support of several forms of marijuana legalization. The following explores all you need to know about whether weed is legal (or not) in the Yellowhammer State.
Is Weed Legal in Alabama?
While the answer to this question may not be straightforward, a definite answer would be NO. Weed is not yet legal in Alabama. There are however exceptions. The current marijuana landscape in the state allows for residents to purchase CBD products that contain no more than 0.3% THC.
When Will Weed be Legal in Alabama?
Since there’s no active legislation being pushed to legalize recreational cannabis in Alabama, it makes it extremely hard to predict. As a result, there’s no projection as to when recreational cannabis will become legal in the state. However, there are still recreational opportunities via CBD provided it contains less than 0.3% THC.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Alabama?
The legality of medical marijuana is perhaps more interesting than recreational cannabis. However, it is still illegal. Alabama does not currently have a medical marijuana program. Nevertheless, CBD oil with less than 0.3% THC can still be medically administered and is 100% legal. Interestingly, residents of Alabama are unable to petition to get a medical marijuana initiative added to the ballot any time soon. This means that it is squarely up to the state’s legislature to enact marijuana legalization in Alabama. However, there’s a medical marijuana bill that was passed by a committee in the Alabama congress recently.
How to get Medical Marijuanas in Alabama
As of now, there is generally no way to get medical marijuana in Alabama. There are however some exceptions. For instance, CBD with less than 0.3% THC can be purchased legally both physically and online. There are CBD-specific shops where medical CBD oils may be purchased from. Similarly, some CBD brands allow residents of Alabama to purchase directly from their websites.
Marijuana Bills & Laws in Alabama
Before delving into the current marijuana bills currently being looked at in the Alabama Congress, there are a few existing laws about the use of marijuana in the state. The first law is Carly’s Law which was signed by a former Governor. Carly’s law effectively allowed the University of Alabama to administer non-psychoactive CBD oil to children with seizures as part of a clinical trial for 5 years.
Subsequently, Carly’s Law was updated to become Leni’s law which was passed on July 1st, 2016. Leni’s law permanently allowed the use of CBD oil in the treatment of patients suffering from a debilitating medical condition. The condition must be diagnosed by a doctor. Again, in July 2019, Leni’s law was updated. Governor Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 225 to reschedule and redefine CBD to align with the provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill. Interestingly, the 2018 Farm Bill includes a loophole that allows for legal sales of CBD products like Delta 8 THC which is legally obtainable even in many states where cannabis is illegal.
Currently, several marijuana bills are making the rounds in the Alabama Congress. Most notably is the medical marijuana bill that was recently approved by the House Judiciary Committee. Also, the Alabama Compassion Act which was derailed by the pandemic would have effectively made Alabama the 37th medical marijuana state in the country. The act would have allowed a registered and certified patient to legally use and access medical cannabis in the treatment of several ailments including anxiety and nausea.
How much Marijuana can I have (in oz) in Alabama?
Marijuana possession of any kind is illegal in Alabama so there is no minimum or maximum limit.
Is Marijuana Decriminalized in Alabama?
No, there are stiff penalties for any form of marijuana possession in Alabama.
What is the fine or penalty in Alabama?
Possession of any quantity of processed cannabis for personal use is generally considered a misdemeanor with up to one year in prison or a $6,000 fine. However, the penalty is a lot steeper for possession linked to any other purpose. For instance, possession of marijuana for any purpose beyond personal use is classified a felony. This felony could lead to up to 10 years in prison or a $15,000 maximum fine.
Unfortunately, marijuana has not been decriminalized in Alabama. There were plans for the state’s Senate to pass a bill on decriminalizing marijuana but it was ultimately derailed by the coronavirus pandemic and the extended lockdowns.
How many plants per household in Alabama?
It is 100% illegal to cultivate any quantity of marijuana plants in Alabama.
Dispensaries regulations
Since both recreational and medical marijuana is still illegal, there are no dispensaries in the state and consequently no regulations.
Growers regulations
Cultivating cannabis is 100% prohibited across Alabama and there are currently no regulations surrounding the cultivation of marijuana in the state.
Closing thoughts
If you’re wondering whether marijuana is legal in Alabama, the simple answer is no. Neither medical nor recreational cannabis is currently legal in the state. While there are plans by the state’s Congress to legalize medical marijuana, there are no notable plans to do the same for recreational cannabis.