The bill HB390 amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to designate the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission as the primary regulatory authority for cannabis cultivation, removing the Department of Agriculture and Industries from this role. Key insertions include the commission's comprehensive responsibility for regulating the medical cannabis industry, including enforcement and cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and Industries. The bill also updates terminology, clarifying definitions related to medical cannabis, and specifies the roles of various entities in the industry, such as cultivators and dispensaries, while outlining the licensing process.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the commission consider demographic factors when granting licenses, ensuring that at least 25% of licenses are awarded to minority-owned businesses. It establishes the commission's authority to conduct inspections, enforce compliance, and impose civil fines for violations. Significant changes include the requirement for background checks for individuals with access to cannabis facilities and the introduction of strict packaging and labeling regulations to prevent appeal to children. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2024, and emphasizes the commission's central role in overseeing all aspects of medical cannabis operations in Alabama.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 20-2A-3, 20-2A-50, 20-2A-51, 20-2A-52, 20-2A-53, 20-2A-57, 20-2A-59, 20-2A-62, 20-2A-63
Enrolled: 20-2A-3, 20-2A-50, 20-2A-51, 20-2A-52, 20-2A-53, 20-2A-57, 20-2A-59, 20-2A-62, 20-2A-63