ATHENS, Ala. — Medical cannabis dispensaries are preparing to open their doors across Alabama, nearly five years after the state passed the Compassion Act to establish a medical cannabis program.
While licensed stores inch closer to welcoming their first patients, members of the Alabama Cannabis Coalition warn that access and cost could still present serious obstacles for many of the people the program is meant to serve.
Alabama’s program is more restrictive than those in many other states. Under state law, only non-smokable products are permitted — patients may purchase tablets, capsules, tinctures, and similar forms, but smokable cannabis and edibles are explicitly prohibited…