The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) announced the state’s first medical cannabis dispensary, Callie’s Apothecary, anticipates serving its first patient on May 4, according to a WSFA report.
Some of the commission members toured the retailer ahead of last week’s announcement. AMCC Director John McMillan highlighted the site’s extensive security and compliance measures.
“A patient will not be able to even enter the door unless a picture is taken of their medical cannabis card and relayed through the system. It’s just amazing. Cameras everywhere, lights everywhere, locks everywhere.” — AMCC Director John McMillan, in the report
Alabama lawmakers passed the state’s medical cannabis legalization bill in 2021, but lawsuits hindered the program’s licensing process for years.
The state issued its first three dispensary licenses last December. Each license covers up to five dispensing sites, according to an online FAQ, with dispensaries expected eventually in Athens, Attalla, Birmingham, Cullman, Daphne, Mobile, Montgomery, Oxford, and Talladega.
Meanwhile, an audit of the AMCC released earlier this year found at least five instances of noncompliance by state cannabis regulators, including overpayment on a legal services contract by over $200,000.
