MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — The Alabama commission gathered today for a third time to, once again, begin the process of choosing which companies will provide medical cannabis to Alabama’s residents.
The first two tries were challenged in court by several companies that were not selected by the commission.
Gone are the scores that stirred up growers who didn’t first make the cut.
In its place, renewed sales pitches by companies hoping to be chosen to provide medical cannabis to Alabama patients.
And a new line of questioning by members of the Alabama commission, covering a wide range of topics, from how soon can they begin to produce, to questions like this:
“What kind of educational efforts are you planning regarding public and provider education regarding medical cannabis?”
Today, the commission heard presentations from nine applicants, each seeking a cultivator license, as well as one applicant for the State Testing Laboratory license.
And when they say “cultivator”, they’re referring to a very specific kind of grower.
These farmers will all be indoors, meaning these companies will be growing crops in a controlled environment all year long.
Commission member Taylor Hatchett is also a farmer and says, whoever is chosen, she’s confident in their ability.
“Alabama farmers are, in my opinion, are absolutely the best farmers that exist,” she says,” and we will, without a doubt, have some amazing producers who are ready to cultivate and grow this product and create a great product for patients in Alabama.”
After more than a year of holdups and delays, the commission seems poised to award these license quickly.
Presentations by dozens of competing companies for production through sales will continue through December 8th.
The commission plans to start awarding licenses in some categories as soon as December 12th.
If this schedule holds, medical marijuana could be available in Alabama as soon as this spring.
But there still could be sticking points.
At least 25 companies sued the commission over its selection process.
Most of them agreed to last week’s settlement, but not all of them.
Alabama is the 38th state to make medical marijuana legal to prescribe to patients.
