Alabama judge puts a temporary hold on medical marijuana companies

 1655562426 
1704443556
Hemp and marijuana both come from Cannabis sativa L.

Hemp and marijuana both come from Cannabis sativa L.

CMElixirs, Pixabay

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A judge has temporarily blocked Alabama from issuing licenses to medical marijuana facilities amid an ongoing legal battle over how the state selected the winning companies.

Montgomery Circuit Judge James Anderson issued a temporary restraining order late Wednesday to stop the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission from issuing licenses for “integrated” facilities that grow, transport and sell medical marijuana. The coveted licenses will be on hold while he hears a challenge to the selection process.

Companies that were not selected to receive one of the five available integrated licenses have challenged the selection process, saying the commission violated its own rules when selecting winners. The commission has attempted to award the licenses three times and rescinded the first two selections during the legal dispute.

Anderson said he is sympathetic to concerns about delaying the availability of medical marijuana but said a pause on the licenses is merited.

“While the court understands those parties’ frustrations, the court also notes that all three rounds of awards have been challenged as legally infirm: the first two rounds of awards were abandoned by action of the Commission itself, and now there is a serious question as to whether the third round is also invalid,” Anderson wrote.

The restraining order is the latest development in a legal battle that has plagued the start of Alabama’s medical marijuana program. Alabama lawmakers voted to allow medical marijuana in the state in 2021. Commission officials are aiming to make the products available in 2024 after a series of delays.

“We remain determined and hopeful that the availability of medical cannabis products, recommended by certified physicians to qualified Alabama patients, is right around the corner,” Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Director John McMillan said in a statement.

The Wednesday order only affects the licenses for the facilities that perform multiple functions from “seed to sale.” The judge last week put a hold on licenses for dispensaries in order to hear a similar challenge. The commission has issued licenses for growers, processors, transportation companies and laboratory testing.

McMillan said the delay on having any licensed dispensaries to sell medical marijuana products also delays the ability of Alabama doctors to get certified to recommend medical cannabis to patients. He said the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners requires the issuance of at least one cultivator, processor, secure transporter, and dispensary license before the board will issue medical cannabis certification permits to physicians.

“We remain hopeful that the Court will swiftly permit the issuance of all licenses awarded by the Commission,” McMillan said.

 

U.K. Parliament bans women from being prosecuted for late-term abortion

The new law makes it illegal to investigate, arrest, prosecute or imprison any woman in England or Wales for terminating her own pregnancy — no matter what term or trimester she's in.

A battle of sounds stops at the inter-Korean border

The two Koreas have engaged in psychological warfare since the 1960s, with weapons like huge billboard screens, loudspeakers installed along the border, and airdropping propaganda leaflets.

Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones accused of hiding money from Sandy Hook families

U.S. bankruptcy Trustee Christopher Murray has filed three suits accusing Infowars host Alex Jones of hiding millions of dollars in cash and property.

Trump administration actions contradict MAHA rhetoric on toxic chemicals

Trump says he backs the MAHA agenda which includes eliminating toxins linked to human health problems. But his administration continues to cuts funds, grants and regulations that support that goal.

New Report: U.S. drug overdose deaths rise again after hopeful decline

The latest 12-month report from the CDC showed 1,400 more deaths in January of this year compared with the year prior. This comes after more than a year of dramatic progress. Experts say they're not sure if this is a "blip" or something more troubling.

Announcing the 2024 NPR College Podcast Challenge Honorable Mentions

Here are some of the best entries in NPR's 2024 College Podcast Challenge.

More Front Page Coverage