SB46, which was passed in 2021, made medical marijuana legal in Alabama. The tracking of products from seed to sale will be required of all Alabama license holders. Beginning September 1, 2022, the department started accepting license applications.
In 2021, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) was established to oversee the marijuana industry. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) intends to implement and oversee Alabama’s medical marijuana regulations. The AMCC is responsible for regulating the licensing of businesses that transport, test, or dispense medical marijuana. The laws and regulations about medical cannabis may be administered and enforced by the AMCC.
What Does Medical Cannabis Legalization Mean For SOP Requirements?
As a cannabis business owner, you are aware of the fact that SOPs are the key to success for any business. In the cannabis industry, SOPs hold an important place due to their role in getting your cannabis license approved and avoiding penalties and license terminations, as well as remaining in compliance with state laws.
Timeline
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) stated that they are reviewing 90 applications for medical cannabis business licenses. Applications had to be submitted by December 30, 2022, and the commission had 60 days to start considering them.
The commission may grant up to 12 cultivator licenses, 4 processor licenses, 4 dispensary licenses, 5 integrated facility licenses, an undisclosed number of secure transport licenses, and state testing laboratory licenses on June 12th, 2023.
The deadline for paying the license fee for those who are selected is June 26, 2023. On July 10, 2023, official licenses will thereafter be issued.
What Does Alabama Medical Cannabis Program Include?
You must be a resident of the state and be at least 19 years of age to receive a medical cannabis card in Alabama. To be able to obtain medical cannabis, a licensed medical professional must certify your medical condition.
Qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in Alabama include cancer, autism, ALS, chronic pain, and terminal illness amongst others.
Which SOPs May Be Required In The Alabama Medical Cannabis Program?
Cannabis Retail SOPs
Your cannabis retail business’s success hinges on maintaining correct records, abiding by state rules, and completing tasks regularly and effectively. Your ability to keep accurate records, follow state rules, and work regularly and effectively will determine how well your cannabis retail business does. And, Forte Operations has the expertise to provide the following requirements with support through SOPs:
- Adverse Event Reporting
- Quality Assurance/Control
- Recall
- Packaging and Labeling
- Inventory Control, Storage, Diversion Prevention
- Recordkeeping
- Waste Disposal, Sanitation
- Dispensing
- Delivery
- Age Verification
- Secure Transport of Cannabis
- Reporting of Test Results for Cannabis
Our SOPs are completely customized for your business so that your leadership team has a step-by-step guide to setting up and operating the business.
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Program may require other SOPs such as cannabis cultivation and cannabis manufacturing SOPs.
SOPs Are The Lifeline
Standard operating procedures are extremely beneficial for cannabis businesses. A business should do anything that will help train new employees, improve important processes for critical functions, and enhance customer experiences.
To learn more about cannabis SOPs, please feel free to get in touch with our team of specialists. Get started today!
