Medcards.org
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Updated 14/08/2025
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.
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.
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.
The penalties for marijuana-related offenses in Alabama can be severe. In addition to the penalties mentioned for possession and cultivation, the sale, distribution, or trafficking of marijuana is also illegal. The penalties for these offenses can range from imprisonment for a period of two to 99 years, along with fines ranging from $25,000 to $1 million. It is important to note that these penalties can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the offense.
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 |
In Alabama, only qualified physicians can recommend medical marijuana. These physicians must be licensed by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission and have completed the necessary training and certification. The Compassion Act outlines the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use, which include conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain, and PTSD, among others. Patients who meet the criteria can consult with a qualified physician to determine if medical marijuana is a suitable treatment option for their condition.
No, smoking marijuana in public is illegal in Alabama.
No, only patients with a valid medical marijuana card can access dispensaries in Alabama.
Yes, marijuana offenses, including possession and cultivation, are considered felonies in Alabama.
If caught with marijuana in Alabama, you may face criminal charges, which can result in fines and imprisonment.
There is no specific "possession of marijuana ticket" in Alabama. Possession of marijuana is a criminal offense and can result in fines and imprisonment.
No, the sale and possession of marijuana edibles are illegal in Alabama.
Yes, CBD derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC is legal in Alabama. However, CBD derived from marijuana is only legal for medical use by qualified patients.