Is Marijuana Legal in Alabama 2025

Is Marijuana Legal in Alabama 2025?

Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Alabama in 2025. Medical marijuana is permitted only under the Darren Wesley “Ato” Hall Compassion Act, codified in Ala. Code § 20-2A and enacted through Senate Bill 46. Oversight and administration of the program is provided by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC).

The law permits registered qualified patients to use medical cannabis when diagnosed with one or more qualifying medical conditions. Patients must be under the care of a licensed physician who is authorized to certify medical cannabis use. Individuals who meet eligibility criteria must apply for and obtain a state-issued medical cannabis card, which allows access to approved medical cannabis products through licensed dispensaries operating under AMCC regulation.

Alabama Marijuana Possession Laws

Under Alabama law, the possession of marijuana remains illegal unless specifically authorized under the Darren Wesley “Ato” Hall Compassion Act (Ala. Code § 20-2A).

Registered qualified patients and registered caregivers may legally possess medical cannabis if they hold a valid medical cannabis card issued by the AMCC. Possession is limited to approved medical cannabis products, such as tablets, capsules, tinctures, patches, and other non-smokable forms, and may not exceed 70 daily dosages as established by statute and physician certification.

Possession of marijuana outside the AMCC program, including raw plant material or products not permitted by law, remains illegal. A first conviction for possession for personal use may result in up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000. Possession for purposes other than personal use, or personal use with a prior conviction, is classified as a felony and carries more severe penalties.

Marijuana also remains a prohibited substance under federal law and is listed as a Schedule I controlled substance.

Alabama Marijuana Cultivation Laws

The cultivation of marijuana without authorization remains illegal in Alabama. Growing marijuana plants for personal use or distribution outside the state-regulated program is classified as a Class B felony. Penalties may include imprisonment for a period of 2 to 20 years and fines of up to $30,000.

The Darren Wesley “Ato” Hall Compassion Act (Ala. Code § 20-2A) authorizes the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) to issue a limited number of cultivator licenses. Licensed cultivators are permitted to grow cannabis plants and transfer them only within the state’s medical cannabis system, under strict security, tracking, and regulatory requirements. All transfers must occur through licensed secure transporters, and no more than 12 cultivator licenses may be issued statewide.

Alabama Marijuana Penalties

The penalties for marijuana-related offenses in Alabama are severe. In addition to possession and cultivation, the sale, distribution, and trafficking of marijuana are prohibited under state law. Penalties vary depending on the type of offense, the amount involved, and whether there are prior convictions. Sentences may include fines, mandatory minimum prison terms, and, in certain cases, life imprisonment without parole.

The following table summarizes penalties under Alabama law:

Offense	Offense/Details	Penalty/Classification
Possession	Second-degree (personal use only)	Class A misdemeanor
	First-degree (non-personal use)	Class C felony
	First-degree (personal use + prior conviction)	Class D felony
Distribution	Unlawful distribution (Schedules I–V, includes cannabis)	Class B felony
	Possession with intent to distribute	Class C felony (under 13A-12-211)
Trafficking in Cannabis	>1 kg but <100 lbs	3 years min. + $25,000 fine (Class A felony)
	100–499 lbs	5 years min. + $50,000 fine
	500–999 lbs	15 years min. + $200,000 fine
	≥1,000 lbs	Life without parole
Drug Trafficking Enterprise Act	First conviction (with ≥5 people, managerial role, income-based)	25 years–life without parole + $50,000–$500,000 fine
	Second conviction	Life without parole + $150,000–$1,000,000 fine
Drug Paraphernalia	Possession for personal use	Class A misdemeanor
	Intent to use in manufacturing	Class C felony
	With firearm during paraphernalia offense	Class B felony
	Sale or delivery (knowing it will be used with controlled substances)	Class A misdemeanor
	Repeat paraphernalia sale offense	Class C felony
	Adult sells to minor (≥3 years younger)	Class B felony

Who can recommend medical marijuana in Alabama?

Only physicians who meet specific requirements may recommend medical cannabis in Alabama. To qualify, a physician must hold an active Alabama medical license, an Alabama Controlled Substances Certificate, and a registration with the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Physicians must also complete required training and obtain a medical cannabis certification permit from the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners.

The rules adopted by ALBME establish additional requirements, including a minimum of three years in active practice or one year in practice with board certification. Physicians must follow strict limitations on advertising, referral arrangements, and telemedicine use. They may issue certifications only in person and only for patients with qualifying medical conditions identified in the Compassion Act. The full requirements are set out in the ALBME rules.

Common Questions about Alabama Marijuana Laws.