Alabama lawmakers take initial step of legalizing limited medical cannabis

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Alabama lawmakers advanced a bill that would establish a limited medical marijuana sales and taxation program to treat debilitating illnesses and conditions.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 6-2 in favor of the bill after a public hearing. The bill now moves to the full Alabama Senate, which is Republican-controlled.

The bill by Republican Sen. Tim Melson of Florence would:
  • Cap THC content at 3%.
  • Establish a Medical Cannabis Commission that would develop a cultivation, processing and dispensary licensing regime based in part on projected market demand. The agency would issue those licensing rules no later than Jan. 1, 2021.

Proponents of the bill said medical marijuana has been proved to help people with some illnesses without the danger of opioids.

Opponents asked lawmakers to keep all marijuana illegal, predicting an MMJ program would be abused.

– Associated Press and Marijuana Business Daily