Medical Cannabis Commission; process for issuing integrated facility licenses revised, duties of Department of Agriculture and Industries revised
Impact
The bill specifically impacts state laws regarding the medical cannabis industry by prohibiting the transfer of integrated facility licenses and instituting exacting eligibility requirements for those seeking such licenses. This change is designed to create a stable and secure framework for the growth of the medical cannabis sector, ensuring that licensees maintain high standards of operational security and compliance. The bill also sets strict parameters around the operations of licensees, including financial disclosure and the establishment of thorough safety protocols at cultivation and dispensing sites.
Summary
SB306, introduced by Senator Melson, amends existing laws to ensure that the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission is solely responsible for the regulation, licensure, and enforcement of all aspects of medical cannabis cultivation and dispensing. The bill delineates that the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries will cooperate with the Commission but not retain regulatory authority over cultivation. Under the new legislation, a three-step process for awarding integrated facility licenses is established, aiming to enhance transparency and adherence to the original intents set out in Act 2021-450.
Contention
While supporters argue that the stricter regulations will streamline license approval and improve safety standards, opponents may criticize the restrictions on license transfers as limiting market competition and infringing on entrepreneurial freedom. The bill also requires extensive background checks for all individuals involved in the operation of licensed facilities, which some may view as an additional barrier to entry for potential business owners in the medical cannabis space.
Medical Cannabis Commission; process for selecting integrated facility licenses revised, appeals process of commission determinations revised, number of integrated facility licenses to be issued increased
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission; number of licenses issued by commission revised; certain licensure determinations by commission ratified and confirmed; administrative adjudicatory process for awarding additional licenses provided
Creating the Kansas medical cannabis act to authorize the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis and medical cannabis products and the Kansas cannabidiol regulation act to regulate the testing and retail sale of cannabidiol products.
Revises certain restrictions on cannabis establishments' owners; expands scope of review of cannabis establishment license applications and related materials.
Revises certain restrictions on cannabis establishments' owners; expands scope of review of cannabis establishment license applications and related materials.
Enacting the Kansas medical cannabis act to authorize the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis and medical cannabis products.
Relating to medical cannabis; to amend Sections 20-2A-3, 20-2A-8, 20-2A-21, 20-2A-32, 20-2A-36, and 20-2A-64, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the conditions that are considered a qualifying medical condition; to further restrict individuals from having an economic interest in a licensee and to establish a time period for the prohibition; to further provide for the definition of a registered certifying physician and provide that a registered certifying physician may only certify a patient for medical cannabis use if he or she is board certified in the field of specialty required to diagnose a qualifying medical condition as provided by law; to prohibit a non-registered certifying physician from having a financial arrangement with a registered certifying physician for patient referrals; to provide that an individual cannot qualify as a registered caregiver if he or she is also a qualified registered patient; to further provide for location restrictions and dispensing protocols for a dispensary; to make it a crime for an individual to sell a medical cannabis card; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.
Medical marijuana; modifying application method for certain entities; modifying various action duties and functions of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. Effective date.