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Before you decide to toke it up on the Gulf Shores, it’s important to know if weed is legal in Alabama.
The Heart of Dixie has had much back and forth with legalizing cannabis. Eventually, in 2021, the state decided to legalize cannabis for medicinal use only. It’s essential to know the limitations and restrictions. Alabama’s penalties are severe.
Read on as we unpack the cannabis legislation in Alabama. We discuss possession, consumption, and cultivation.
History of cannabis legalization in Alabama
Alabama has a complex cannabis history. It started in 1975 when the state legalized recreational use. Then in 1990, they banned it.
On the 17th of May, 2021, Governor Kay Ivey passed Senate Bill 46. The state also refers to it as the Darren Wesley ‘Ato’ Hall Compassion Act. It made way for Alabama weed legalization for medicinal use. This bill only applies to registered medicinal users.
Is weed legal in Alabama?
Weed is legal in Alabama for medicinal use only. Let’s get into the nitty gritty of possession, consumption, and cultivation.
Possession
The law only allows medicinal users to possess cannabis in Alabama.
Recreational use of any form of cannabis is illegal. You’ll find the legislation under Title 13A Chapter 12 Article 5 of the Alabama Code. It states all the penalties for possession of non-medicinal use.
Not only is marijuana illegal in Alabama in 2023, but you can expect severe punishments if caught.
Possession for personal use is against Alabama’s law and a class A misdemeanor. You could get a fine of up to $6,000 and one-year of imprisonment.
A second offense of personal use is a class D felony. You could spend a minimum of a year and one day in prison or a maximum of five years. On top of that, you might get a fine of up to $7,500.
Pot is illegal in Alabama and the law punishes those who attempt to sell or share it. Possession of cannabis for non-personal use is a class C felony. The judge could come down heavy with a maximum sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $15,000.
Alabama is extremely strict when it comes to cannabis possession. Avoid using it for non-medical reasons as the chances of walking free are rare.
Medical use
The legalization of weed in Alabama applies only to medicinal use. Under Section 20-2A-3 (21) of the Alabama Code, patients with some of these conditions qualify:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Epilepsy or seizures
- HIV/AIDS-related nausea or weight loss
- Panic disorder
- Persistent nausea that doesn’t respond to traditional treatment
- Parkinson’s disease
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Depression
- Crohn’s disease
- A terminal illness
- Spasticity associated with Multiple sclerosis or a spinal cord injury
- Sickle cell anemia
Patients must be at least 19 years or older to qualify. Caregivers may apply for minors under a physician’s referral. All caregivers must register with the AMCC and be adults older than 21.
Patients aren’t permitted to grow marijuana plants, even if it’s from CBD marijuana seeds.
Patients may consume up to 50 milligrams of cannabis products. Doctors can recommend up to 75 milligrams per day for terminal conditions.
Consumption
Alabama cannabis laws state that consuming, possessing, or smoking cannabis buds is illegal. Neither recreational nor medicinal users may have or use the flowers.
Only registered medicinal marijuana patients may consume the herb. The law only allows them to use it in these forms:
- Suppository
- Transdermal patch
- Nebulizer
- Capsule, oral tablet, or tincture
- Oil or liquid for an inhaler
- Lozenge or non-sugar coated gelatinous cuboid cube, or
- CBD oil, gel, cream, or similar topical forms
Cultivation
Cannabis cultivation is a serious offense in Alabama. Growing even a few cannabis plants can land you in prison for a minimum of three years. You may also get a fine of up to $25,000.
The state imposes mandatory minimum sentences for weed-related crimes. Anyone caught growing weed in Alabama receives the stipulated minimum sentence.
The law treats cultivation penalties similarly to possession. People who receive a felony possession judgment aren’t eligible for parole.
Pro-cannabis advocates are fighting to legalize or decriminalize personal use in Alabama. Until then, steer clear of cultivating CBD and THC marijuana seeds.
Restrictions and limits
Marijuana isn’t legal in Alabama now. The state currently has strict laws in place that prohibit recreational cannabis use. Let’s unpack more on the specific restrictions and limits.
How many grams of weed can I possess in Alabama?
You cannot possess any amount of grams of cannabis in Alabama. The state law prohibits the use of buds for both recreational and medicinal uses.
Weed legalization in Alabama only applies to registered medicinal users. They can possess no more than 50 milligrams of cannabis products. The law allows cannabis in specific forms, like topicals and inhalers.
Can I grow cannabis in Alabama?
You cannot grow cannabis in Alabama. Personal use cultivation can land you in prison for a minimum of three years. In addition, you could get a fine of up to $25,000.
The law only allows registered companies to grow weed seeds with medical properties. The Department of Agriculture issues licenses to cultivators who meet their requirements.
Is recreational marijuana legal in Alabama?
Recreational marijuana isn’t legal in the Yellowhammer State. Alabama marijuana laws for 2023 are very strict about prohibiting personal use.
The law seriously penalizes possession or consumption for personal use. Only medical cannabis is legal in Alabama. Medicinal users may consume cannabis under a doctor’s prescription.
Where can I buy cannabis seeds legally in Alabama?
While marijuana isn’t legal in Alabama, marijuana seeds are permitted as souvenirs. You won’t be able to purchase them at dispensaries in Alabama. They only stock medicinal products.
The best place to buy cannabis seeds is at Seed Supreme. We have an impressive selection of strains from the classics to the rare beauties. Our USA shipping is discreet and speedy.
Our cannabis seeds store well and last a long time. You can use them whenever Alabama legalizes cultivation.
Key takeaways
Cannabis is only legal for medicinal use in Alabama. Recreational use is illegal, and you will be severely penalized if you break the law.
The minimum penalty for possession is a fine of up to $6,000 and one year of imprisonment. Cultivating cannabis is also a serious offense. The judge may punish you with a minimum of three years in prison and a fine of $25,000.
Pro-cannabis advocates are fighting to change Alabama weed laws for 2023. Their top priority is the legalization or decriminalization of recreational use.
In the meantime, feel free to stock up on seeds from our selection. Legally, you can buy cannabis seeds as souvenirs. You can only germinate and grow them once cultivation is legal. Shop our selection of top-shelf cannabis seeds in Alabama.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some common questions about cannabis in Alabama.
Are edibles legal in Alabama?
Edibles are illegal in Alabama. The law doesn’t allow cannabis in the form of vape, flower, or baked goods.
Is THC legal in Alabama?
THC is legal in Alabama, but only for registered medicinal users. They can consume up to 50 milligrams a day. Physicians may prescribe up to 75 milligrams daily for people with terminal conditions.
Are delta-8 and delta-10 legal in Alabama?
Delta-8 and delta-10 are legal in Alabama as long as they come from hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC.
