Alabama’s first medical cannabis dispensary opens Thursday: What to know
It's been five years since the Legislature approved medical marijuana, but lawsuits and other problems have delayed product availability.
Mason Reed 
After five years of legislative movement, legal hurdles, and procedural delays, Alabama is finally opening the doors to its first medical cannabis dispensary. The long-awaited launch of Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery takes place this Thursday, marking a significant turning point in the state’s medical history.
A Long Road to Opening
The journey began in 2021 when the Alabama Legislature approved the "Darren Wesley ‘Ato’ Hall Compassion Act." Championed by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, the act was named to honor the son of Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, whose personal battle with AIDS sparked her advocacy for medical cannabis access.
While the legislation passed years ago, the rollout faced extensive delays caused by litigation from competing license applicants and complications within the state’s licensing procedure. Now, the landscape is shifting as the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has issued dispensary licenses to a handful of operators.
Expansion and Patient Access
Callie’s Apothecary, owned by CCS of Alabama, is the first to open its doors. The company is also slated to open locations in Cullman and Talladega. Other companies are preparing to follow suit:
- GP6 Wellness: Birmingham, Athens, and Attalla.
- RJK Holdings: Oxford, Mobile, and Daphne.
A fourth license issued to Yellowhammer Medical Dispensaries—planned for Birmingham, Demopolis, and Owens Cross Roads—remains tied up in ongoing legal challenges.
What Patients Need to Know
Entering the program requires more than just showing up. Patients must be registered and possess a valid medical cannabis card, which requires an assessment by a physician certified by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners. Currently, approximately 35 physicians have been certified to provide recommendations. You can access the official list of doctors and additional patient resources here.
Callie’s Apothecary emphasizes a patient-first approach. "Our goal is to help patients understand the state’s medical cannabis program, explore treatment options safely, and feel confident navigating their care," the dispensary stated on its website. "By prioritizing accurate information, compliance, and patient well-being, we aim to empower Alabama patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health."
H. Marty Schelper, president of the Alabama Cannabis Coalition, hailed the opening as a major milestone, though he noted that education remains a priority. "Many citizens are still searching for basic information about physician certification, patient registration, qualifying conditions, and the requirements necessary to participate," Schelper said. "Patient education remains essential to ensuring that those who qualify can successfully navigate the process."
Available Products
The state has authorized a variety of delivery methods, including gelatinous cubes (gummies), lozenges, tablets, capsules, tinctures, gels, oils, topical creams, suppositories, transdermal patches, nebulizers, and liquids for inhalers. Note that raw plant material, inhalable smoke/vapor products, and food products like candies or cookies are not allowed under current regulations.
