MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Alabama officials are moving ahead with preparations for the state’s medical cannabis program by training dispensary employees, even as advocates say patients still lack clear, public guidance on how to access the system.
It’s been nearly five years since Governor Ivey signed into law the bill creating the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, paving the way for legal medical marijuana in Alabama.
The first dispensary is now set to open next month. Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery is expected to begin dispensing medical cannabis products on May 4.
To purchase products at any time once dispensing begins, patients must have the medical cannabis card.
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has begun training dispensary staff through its “Medical Cannabis Foundations Training Course for Dispensaries,” according to the Alabama Cannabis Coalition, which said it received confirmation the training is underway. The course is scheduled for April 15 and is required for dispensary employees seeking certification as “Certified Dispensers,” a step that signals the operational side of the program is continuing to move forward.
In a statement, the commission said it is required by law to establish and administer a training program for dispensary employees.
“The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) is the agency tasked by the Alabama Legislature to implement and regulate Alabama’s medical cannabis program. The statute requires that the Commission establish and administer a training program for dispensary employees,” the commission said. “As dispensary licensees are preparing to commence their operations, AMCC has reached out to them to arrange for initial training of their employees, which is one of many ongoing regulatory activities of AMCC required by law. The foundation trainings course is established by AMCC’s administrative rules.”
But the coalition said progress on the supply side has not been matched with patient-focused education.
“While the state is preparing dispensaries for operation, patients are still asking a simple question: How do I access it?” Marty Schelper, founder and and president of the Alabama Cannabis Coalition, said. “Without clear public education, patients risk being left behind as implementation continues.”
The coalition said patient awareness is critical for the program to function, including information about registration, physician certification and how patients will eventually obtain products.
On March 22, 2026, the group said it submitted a formal inquiry to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission and Gov. Kay Ivey’s office asking whether the state planned a public education campaign.
The coalition said it received a response on April 1, 2026, indicating the commission is exploring ways to better educate physicians and patients as implementation continues, but the group said details of a formal plan remain unclear.
The coalition urged state leaders to pair dispensary readiness with a coordinated, accessible public education effort.
“Without informed patients, none of this works,” Schelper said.
For patients and caregivers, there are important steps to take if you hope to get a card and access the products.
Minimum requirements include being an Alabama resident and having a qualifying condition. You must also be 19, though a parent or legal guardian may serve as your registered caregiver.
Next, you must get a recommendation from an Alabama physician certified by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners to recommend medical cannabis. Currently, more than 40 physicians in the state are approved to do so.
You must register in the AMCC patient registry system. 66 medical cannabis cards have been issued by the commission so far, but leaders expect that number to rise.
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