TALLADEGA, Ala. – Nearly three months after Alabama’s first medical cannabis dispensary opened in Montgomery, the state’s second dispensary has opened in Talladega.
The Talladega location is the second dispensary operated by Callie’s Apothecary, which also runs Alabama’s first medical cannabis dispensary in Montgomery. Once the initial 12 dispensary licenses awarded to four companies are operational, the first phase of the state’s dispensary rollout will be complete. The program is expected to eventually expand to 37 dispensaries statewide.
“The opening of medical cannabis dispensaries is a milestone for Alabama’s medical cannabis program,” Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Chairman Sam Blakemore said in a statement. “Having more dispensary locations throughout the state is vital for patient access and affordability.”
Alabama’s medical cannabis law, enacted in 2021, allows registered physicians to recommend medical cannabis for approximately 15 qualifying conditions, including cancer, depression, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, sickle cell disease, chronic pain, and terminal illnesses. Patients with qualifying conditions must receive approval from a physician and be entered into the state’s patient registry before purchasing products from a dispensary.
Approved medical cannabis products are limited to tablets, tinctures, patches, oils, and gel cubes, which are available only in peach flavor. Raw plant material and smokable cannabis products remain prohibited under state law.
Three companies – CCS of Alabama LLC, GP6 Wellness LLC, and RJK Holdings LLC – have already received dispensary licenses, with additional dispensary openings expected in September. A fourth license remains the subject of litigation but is expected to be awarded to Yellowhammer Medical Dispensaries LLC.
