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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 3, 2026 ALABAMA CANNABIS COALITION: PATIENT EDUCATION REMAINS CRITICAL AS MEDICAL CANNABIS PROGRAM BEGINS SERVING PATIENTS MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Cannabis Coalition recognizes the opening of Alabama's first medical cannabis dispensary, Callie's Apothecary, as an important milestone in the implementation of Alabama's medical cannabis program. According to the dispensary's public announcement, Callie's Apothecary, located at 5232 Atlanta Highw

On Tuesday, May 19th, Alabama voters will head to the polls for the 2026 Primary Election. This is one of the most important elections in determining the future direction of our state. Primary elections are where candidates are chosen before the general election. In Alabama, many races are often decided during the primaries, making this election especially important for voters who want their voices heard and their values represented. The Alabama Cannabis Coalition believe

by Andrea Ramey Fri, May 1, 2026 at 4:18 PM Updated Fri, May 1, 2026 at 5:31 PM MOBILE, Ala. (NBC 15) — Alabamians may soon be able to legally purchase medical marijuana, five years after the state legalized it. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission says the first dispensary is expected to open this month in Montgomery. Right now, the state has approved nine dispensary locations statewide, though it remains unclear when stores planned for Mobile and Daphne will open. The st

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 21, 2026 Lack of Clear Guidance Raises Ongoing Access Concerns in Alabama Medical Cannabis Program Montgomery, AL — As Alabama’s medical cannabis program moves closer to full implementation, the Alabama Cannabis Coalition (ACC) is raising concerns about a persistent lack of clear, consistent public guidance for patients and healthcare providers—an issue advocates say could limit meaningful access across the state. Advocates warn that without clear

Industry leaders say progress is now being made. H. Marty Schelper, founder and president of the Alabama Cannabis Coalition, said dispensary employee training recently took place as the state prepares to open its first location. Schelper pointed to May 4, the planned opening date for the first medical cannabis dispensary in Montgomery, a major milestone after years of setbacks. Some lawmakers like Rep. Juandalynn Givan say the rollout has been troubled from the start, was not

Advocates said lawmakers blocked tougher hemp limits but again failed to ease marijuana penalties, leaving reform stalled as primary elections approached. The Alabama Cannabis Coalition said there were mixed results during the 2026 Legislative Session, which saw several pieces of cannabis-related legislation fail to pass into law. While some bills would have further restricted the sale and use of hemp-derived products in the state, others could have rolled back the criminali

Montgomery, AL — Following today’s announcement from the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission that the state’s first medical cannabis dispensary is expected to open in early May, the Alabama Cannabis Coalition (ACC) is urging immediate action to ensure patients are properly informed on how to access the program. The opening of a dispensary marks a significant milestone in Alabama’s medical cannabis implementation. However, advocates say the success of the program ultimately de

Montgomery, AL — As the 2026 Alabama Legislative Session concludes on Sine Die, the Alabama Cannabis Coalition (ACC) is reflecting on key cannabis-related legislation while calling on citizens to become more engaged ahead of the May 19 primary election. “The 2026 session made one thing clear—Alabama is still having the conversation, but we are not yet taking action,” said the Alabama Cannabis Coalition. “And for the citizens waiting on real reform, that delay has real conseq

The Alabama Cannabis Coalition would like to thank the Alabama Legislature for its diligence during the 2026 Legislative Session, which concludes today, April 9, 2026, on Sine Die. As the session comes to a close, several pieces of legislation stood out. We are grateful that SB1, sponsored by Senator April Weaver, never advanced beyond its referral to the Senate Healthcare Committee. According to the bill summary, SB1 would have regulated nonpsychoactive consumable hemp produ

The Alabama Cannabis Coalition is proud to announce our endorsement of Taylor Cook for Alabama House District 43 (Shelby County). Alabama Primary Election: May 19, 2026 We encourage voters in District 43 to learn more about his campaign and consider supporting a candidate who is willing to address cannabis policy reform in Alabama. Statement from Taylor Cook: “Legalize and Regulate Marijuana: HB445 was a massive step backward that wastes resources, destroys businesses, and

The Alabama Cannabis Coalition (ACC) is raising concerns following confirmation that the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has begun training dispensary employees through its “Medical Cannabis Foundations Training Course for Dispensaries.”

2nd Press Release regarding Public Education Campaign by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission “At this time, we have not seen a clear public education effort outlining how patients can participate in the program. Public education is a critical component of implementation, and at this time, it is not visible to the public.” H Marty Schelper

March 30, 2026 TIMELINE CONFIRMED: Rex Vaughn Resignation Verified by AMCC TIMELINE CLARIFICATION – AMCC CHAIRMAN REX VAUGHN The Alabama Cannabis Coalition would like to provide a clear and factual timeline regarding recent developments involving Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Chairman Rex Vaughn. The Alabama Cannabis Coalition remains committed to providing accurate, fact-based information to the public. We will continue to seek clarification when inconsistencies arise

UPDATE: 3/30/2026 Recent media reports regarding AMCC Chairman Rex Vaughn’s status have been inconsistent. One outlet has issued a correction, but no official confirmation has been provided regarding whether he has resigned. The Alabama Cannabis Coalition has reached out directly to the AMCC for clarification and no official confirmation has been provided by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, we will provide updates as information becomes available. March 27, 2026 Recen

Recent reporting has brought attention to findings from a state audit involving the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC). As questions arise, it is important to clearly explain what has been reported and what these findings mean for the public. What Is an “Audit Exception”? An audit exception is a deviation from expected standards identified during an audit. In simple terms, it means something did not align with established rules, procedures, or contractual expectations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 27, 2026 – 6:00 AM No Response from State Officials Following Public Education Inquiry on Alabama Medical Cannabis Program Alabama — On March 22, 2026, an inquiry was sent to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission and Kay Ivey regarding a critical implementation issue: how the public will be informed that Alabama’s medical cannabis program is moving forward. As of March 27, 2026, no response has been received. Given the time-sensitive nature of i

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Alabama Cannabis Coalition Email: alabamacannabiscoalition@gmail.com Website: alabamacannabiscoalition.org Alabama Cannabis Coalition Urges Lawmakers to Oppose SB321 Advocates Warn Bill Would Shut Down Alabama Hemp Industry Montgomery, Alabama — The Alabama Cannabis Coalition is urging members of the Alabama Senate Healthcare Committee to oppose SB321, legislation that would classify hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoids such as Delta-8, Delta-

The Alabama Legislature is attempting to shut down the Hemp Industry. Please call and email the Senate Healthcare Committee TODAY and tell them: Oppose SB321/2026 CALL TO ACTION – TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE SEND EMAILS AND MAKE PHONE CALLS NOW #STOPBill321 The Alabama Legislature wants to shut down the Hemp Industry and psychoactive cannabinoids in the State of Alabama. SB321/2026, sponsored by Alabama State Senator Tom Butler, would classify psychoactive cannabinoids derived

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 3, 2026 Alabama Cannabis Coalition Hosts 7th Annual Lobby Day at Alabama State House Dr. Will Boyd Delivers Keynote Address on Hemp Industry and Legislative Reform Montgomery, AL — The Alabama Cannabis Coalition (ACC) hosted its 7th Annual Lobby Day on February 24, 2026, at the Alabama State House, continuing its fourteen-year commitment to legislative advocacy on cannabis and hemp policy in Alabama. The event featured keynote speaker Dr. Will Boyd

February 19, 2026 Cannabis Advocates Continue Push During 2026 Legislative Session Alabama Cannabis Coalition Hosts 7th Annual Lobby Day at State House Montgomery, Alabama — As the 2026 Alabama Legislative Session moves forward, cannabis policy advocates will gather at the Alabama State House on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, for the 7th Annual Alabama Cannabis Coalition (ACC) Lobby Day. Citizens from across the state will meet directly with Alabama House and Senate members to d