Dispensary Opening Signals Urgent Need for Patient Education in Alabama Medical Cannabis Program | Press Release

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 depends on whether patients understand how to participate.

“Today’s announcement is an important step forward for Alabama,” said Marty Schelper, Founder and President of the Alabama Cannabis Coalition. “But access doesn’t begin at the dispensary door—it begins with informed patients. Without a clear and accessible public education campaign, many Alabamians still won’t know how to participate in the program, even as it becomes operational.”

Under Alabama law, patients must complete several steps before they can legally obtain medical cannabis, including creating a patient registry account and receiving a physician certification. Despite these requirements, many residents remain unaware of how the process works.

“With dispensaries now preparing to open, the need for a comprehensive public education campaign is no longer theoretical—it’s immediate,” Schelper added. “Patients cannot access a system they don’t understand.”

The Alabama Cannabis Coalition has consistently called for a statewide public information effort and has independently developed educational resources to help guide patients through the process. The organization continues to encourage state officials to implement a coordinated campaign to ensure all eligible patients have access to accurate and timely information.

“This is a significant milestone for Alabama’s medical cannabis program,” Schelper said. “However, implementation is only successful if patients are able to access it. As dispensaries prepare to open, the urgency for a coordinated public education effort becomes even more critical to ensure the system functions as intended.”

For more information and step-by-step guidance for patients, visit:www.alabamacannabiscoalition.org/medical