Alabama inches closer to key vote on medical marijuana legalization

Help shape our annual “Diversity in Cannabis” special report by filling out our business survey here!


Alabama state House Republicans opposed to medical marijuana legalization used a filibuster to block a vote after hours of debate Tuesday, but the measure is expected back on the House floor Thursday.

The Alabama Senate approved a relatively restrictive program by a 21-8 vote in February. However the House is seen as a higher hurdle and a close vote is expected.

The measure, Senate Bill 46, would offer up to five vertical licenses and a small number of stand-alone licenses. It would prohibit smokable flower, vaping products and edibles.

But the bill is seen as a huge first step in the Deep South state.

More than a dozen patient conditions would qualify for medical cannabis use, including chronic pain, cancer, terminal illness, epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder.