Alabama Medical Marijuana Program: Qualifying Conditions, Dispensaries & Patient Guide

Executive Summary

Alabama's medical marijuana program stands days away from its first legal sales, marking the culmination of a three-year implementation process following the 2021 passage of the Darren Wesley 'Wig' Hall Compassion Act. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has licensed five integrated facilities and multiple dispensaries across the state, with the first retail location preparing to open its doors in mid-May 2026. The program authorizes medical cannabis for 16 qualifying conditions including chronic pain, PTSD, and terminal illnesses, but prohibits smokable flower, restricting patients to oils, capsules, patches, and other non-combustible forms. Alabama becomes one of the last states in the Deep South to implement medical cannabis access, joining neighboring Mississippi and Louisiana in offering limited therapeutic programs. The state's conservative regulatory framework reflects ongoing tensions between patient access advocates who sought broader qualifying conditions and lawmakers who maintained strict controls on product forms and distribution channels.

Why This Matters

Alabama's program affects approximately 200,000 residents potentially eligible under the state's 16 qualifying conditions, with industry analysts projecting a $100-150 million annual market within three years of operation. The program's launch represents a significant policy shift in a state where cannabis possession remains a criminal offense for non-medical use. For patients with chronic pain, cancer, epilepsy, and other debilitating conditions, the program offers legal access to therapeutic cannabis products for the first time in Alabama's history. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission reported receiving over 3,000 patient applications in the months leading up to the first dispensary opening, according to commission records. For the cannabis industry, Alabama represents one of the final major state markets to open in the Southeast. The five licensed integrated facilities—which handle cultivation, processing, and distribution—invested an estimated $50-75 million combined in infrastructure, equipment, and regulatory compliance. These vertically integrated operators include Alabama Always, Bayou Cannabis Company, and other entities that underwent extensive background checks and financial scrutiny during the licensing process. The program also carries implications for criminal justice reform in Alabama. While the medical program does not provide retroactive relief for prior cannabis convictions, it establishes a legal framework that patient advocates hope will eventually support broader decriminalization efforts. Alabama arrested approximately 3,200 individuals for marijuana possession in 2024, according to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, highlighting the continued enforcement of prohibition for non-medical users.

Background and History

Alabama's path to medical cannabis legalization spanned nearly a decade of legislative efforts, false starts, and incremental progress before Governor Kay Ivey signed the Darren Wesley 'Wig' Hall Compassion Act into law on May 17, 2021.

Early Legislative Attempts (2013-2019)

Alabama's first serious medical cannabis legislation emerged in 2013 when State Senator Bobby Singleton introduced a bill to establish a limited medical program. The measure failed to advance past committee, reflecting the conservative legislature's reluctance to embrace cannabis policy reform. Similar bills in 2014, 2015, and 2016 met the same fate, with opponents citing federal prohibition under the Controlled Substances Act and concerns about recreational use. The state took its first incremental step in 2014 with Carly's Law, named after Carly Chandler, a young girl with severe epilepsy. The legislation authorized the University of Alabama at Birmingham to conduct clinical research on CBD oil for seizure disorders. This narrow research authorization did not create patient access but established a precedent for therapeutic cannabis consideration. In 2016, Alabama expanded this framework with Leni's Law, which allowed individuals with debilitating epileptic conditions to possess CBD oil containing no more than 3% THC if recommended by a physician affiliated with the UAB research program.

Momentum Builds (2019-2020)

By 2019, shifting public opinion and mounting evidence of therapeutic benefits from other state programs created new political space for reform. Senator Tim Melson, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, emerged as the primary legislative champion for comprehensive medical cannabis access. His medical credentials lent credibility to reform efforts in a skeptical legislature. The 2020 legislative session saw the Alabama Medical Cannabis Act advance further than any previous attempt, passing the Senate Judiciary Committee before stalling in the full Senate. Opponents, including the Alabama District Attorneys Association and some law enforcement groups, raised concerns about impaired driving, diversion to the illicit market, and the absence of FDA approval for cannabis medicines. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the legislative calendar, preventing further action that year.

Passage of the Darren Wesley 'Wig' Hall Compassion Act (2021)

Senator Melson reintroduced refined legislation in the 2021 session as Senate Bill 46. The bill was named for Darren Wesley "Wig" Hall, a former Auburn police officer and pastor who advocated for medical cannabis access while battling terminal cancer before his death in 2019. The naming honored Hall's advocacy and personalized the issue for legislators. The Alabama Senate passed SB 46 on February 10, 2021, by a vote of 21-8, reflecting growing bipartisan support. The legislation then moved to the House of Representatives, where it faced amendments and intense debate. Key compromises included prohibiting smokable flower, limiting the number of integrated licenses, and establishing strict oversight through a newly created Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. On May 6, 2021, the Alabama House of Representatives approved the bill 68-34. Governor Kay Ivey signed the Darren Wesley 'Wig' Hall Compassion Act into law on May 17, 2021, making Alabama the 37th state to authorize medical cannabis in some form. In her signing statement, Governor Ivey emphasized that the law was "tightly controlled" and focused on "helping people, not expanding access to marijuana."

Implementation Phase (2021-2026)

The law directed the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission to establish comprehensive regulations governing cultivation, processing, testing, distribution, and dispensing. The commission, appointed by Governor Ivey and legislative leaders, held its first meeting in September 2021 and began the rulemaking process. In 2022, the commission finalized regulations and opened the application process for integrated facility licenses, dispensary licenses, and testing laboratory licenses. The integrated facility license structure—which combines cultivation, processing, and distribution into single vertically integrated operations—was designed to maintain tight control over the supply chain. The commission authorized five integrated facility licenses statewide. The licensing process proved contentious and litigious. Multiple applicants challenged scoring decisions and alleged procedural irregularities. In 2023, the commission faced lawsuits from unsuccessful applicants, delaying final license awards. The Alabama Administrative Procedure Act governed these challenges, with some cases proceeding to hearings before administrative law judges. By late 2024, the commission had resolved most legal challenges and issued final licenses to five integrated facilities: Alabama Always, Bayou Cannabis Company, and three other operators. These licensees began construction and cultivation in 2025, with the first harvests occurring in late 2025 and early 2026. The commission also licensed approximately 20 dispensary locations across the state, ensuring geographic distribution to serve patients in urban and rural areas.

First Sales Imminent (May 2026)

In May 2026, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission announced that the first dispensary would open within days, marking the operational launch of the program nearly five years after the law's passage. The commission confirmed that integrated facilities had completed required testing and quality assurance protocols, with products ready for distribution to licensed dispensaries.

Key Players

Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission serves as the regulatory authority overseeing all aspects of the state's medical marijuana program, from licensing to compliance enforcement. Established by the Darren Wesley 'Wig' Hall Compassion Act, the commission consists of 14 members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the House. Members include physicians, pharmacists, law enforcement representatives, and public health officials. The commission's executive director oversees day-to-day operations and staff responsible for inspections, investigations, and administrative functions. The commission operates under Alabama Code Title 20, Chapter 2A, which grants it broad rulemaking authority to implement the medical cannabis program.

Integrated Facility Licensees

Five vertically integrated operators hold licenses to cultivate, process, and distribute medical cannabis products throughout Alabama. Alabama Always, based in Montgomery, was among the first to announce readiness for distribution in May 2026. Bayou Cannabis Company operates a cultivation facility in Baldwin County. The integrated license structure requires these operators to handle all stages from seed to sale, maintaining chain-of-custody documentation and submitting to regular inspections. Each facility invested millions in security systems, environmental controls, and laboratory equipment to meet commission standards.

Senator Tim Melson

Senator Tim Melson, an anesthesiologist representing District 1 in northern Alabama, served as the primary legislative sponsor of the medical cannabis law. His medical background and persistent advocacy over multiple legislative sessions proved crucial to building support among skeptical colleagues. Melson emphasized the therapeutic potential for chronic pain patients and veterans with PTSD, framing the issue as a medical rather than criminal justice matter.

Governor Kay Ivey

Governor Kay Ivey signed the Darren Wesley 'Wig' Hall Compassion Act into law in May 2021 after expressing initial reservations about medical cannabis. Ivey emphasized the law's restrictive nature and medical focus, distinguishing it from recreational legalization efforts in other states. Her administration appointed commission members and allocated resources for program implementation.

Patient Advocacy Organizations

Alabama Cannabis Industry Association and Compassion Alabama Coalition advocated for medical cannabis access throughout the legislative process. These organizations mobilized patients, families, and medical professionals to testify before legislative committees and share personal stories about therapeutic benefits. Following the law's passage, advocacy groups shifted focus to implementation oversight and patient education.

Opposition Groups

The Alabama District Attorneys Association and some law enforcement organizations opposed the medical cannabis legislation, citing concerns about impaired driving, workplace safety, and potential diversion to illicit markets. The Alabama Sheriffs Association expressed reservations about enforcement challenges. Some religious and conservative advocacy groups opposed the measure on moral grounds, arguing that cannabis use conflicts with traditional values.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

Alabama's medical cannabis program operates under Alabama Code Title 20, Chapter 2A, which establishes a vertically integrated, tightly controlled system distinct from recreational cannabis programs in other states. The Darren Wesley 'Wig' Hall Compassion Act authorizes medical cannabis for 16 qualifying conditions: cancer-related cachexia, weight loss, or chronic nausea; chronic pain for which conventional therapeutic intervention is ineffective; epilepsy or a condition causing seizures; HIV/AIDS; Crohn's disease; fibromyalgia; multiple sclerosis; panic disorder; Parkinson's disease; persistent nausea not related to pregnancy; PTSD; sickle cell anemia; spasticity associated with motor neuron disease or spinal cord injury; terminal illness; Tourette's syndrome; and a condition causing chronic or intractable pain. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission may add conditions through rulemaking. The law prohibits smokable flower, restricting patients to oils, tinctures, capsules, suppositories, transdermal patches, nebulizers, and topicals. This prohibition distinguishes Alabama from most other medical cannabis states and reflects legislative concerns about smoking-related health risks and the perception of recreational use. Products must contain no more than 50 milligrams of THC per dosage unit for most forms, with higher limits for certain conditions under physician supervision. Patients must obtain a written certification from a physician with whom they have a bona fide physician-patient relationship. The physician must be licensed in Alabama and registered with the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. Physicians cannot have a financial interest in a cannabis business. The certification must specify the qualifying condition and recommended dosage. Patients then register with the commission to receive a medical cannabis card, which must be presented at dispensaries. The law establishes several license types: integrated facility licenses (limited to five statewide), dispensary licenses, testing laboratory licenses, and secure transporter licenses. Integrated facilities must operate in enclosed, secure buildings with 24-hour video surveillance, intrusion detection systems, and restricted access. All cannabis products must undergo testing for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, microbial contaminants, and residual solvents before distribution. Alabama law prohibits medical cannabis patients from operating motor vehicles while under the influence, possessing cannabis on school grounds, consuming cannabis in public places, or growing cannabis at home. Employers retain the right to maintain drug-free workplace policies and may prohibit cannabis use by employees. The law does not require employers to accommodate medical cannabis use or prohibit adverse employment actions based on positive drug tests. Federal law continues to classify cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance under 21 U.S.C. § 812, creating ongoing legal tensions with state programs. The Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment, renewed annually in federal appropriations bills, prohibits the Department of Justice from using funds to prevent states from implementing medical cannabis laws. However, this protection does not extend to individual participants, and federal prosecution remains theoretically possible. Financial institutions often refuse to serve cannabis businesses due to federal money laundering concerns, forcing many operators to conduct business in cash.

Alabama's Program Structure

Alabama's medical cannabis program employs a vertically integrated model with five licensed operators controlling cultivation, processing, and distribution to approximately 20 dispensary locations statewide.

Patient Registration and Access

Patients seeking medical cannabis must first obtain certification from a registered physician. The physician must diagnose a qualifying condition and determine that potential benefits outweigh risks. After receiving certification, patients apply to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission for a medical cannabis card, paying a fee of approximately $65. The commission reviews applications and issues cards valid for one year. Patients may designate a caregiver to purchase and administer cannabis on their behalf if they are minors or unable to visit dispensaries independently. The commission maintains a confidential patient registry accessible only to law enforcement for verification purposes during traffic stops or investigations. Registry information is not subject to public records requests under Alabama law. As of May 2026, the commission reported receiving over 3,000 patient applications, with approval rates exceeding 90% for complete applications with valid physician certifications.

Product Forms and Dosage Limits

Alabama law restricts medical cannabis to non-smokable forms. Patients may purchase oils, tinctures, capsules, sublingual tablets, transdermal patches, suppositories, topical preparations, and products for nebulization. Each dosage unit may contain no more than 50 milligrams of THC for most conditions, with physicians authorized to recommend higher doses for terminal illnesses or severe chronic pain. The commission established a monthly purchase limit of 70 daily doses per patient, with daily doses defined based on product form and THC content. Physicians may recommend higher monthly limits for specific conditions, subject to commission review. Products must be sold in child-resistant packaging with labels indicating THC and CBD content, dosage instructions, and warnings about impairment and pregnancy risks.

Cultivation and Processing Standards

Integrated facilities must cultivate cannabis in enclosed structures with environmental controls for temperature, humidity, and lighting. The commission requires detailed cultivation plans specifying strains, growing methods, and pest management strategies. Facilities must maintain seed-to-sale tracking using radio-frequency identification tags and software systems approved by the commission. Processing operations must follow good manufacturing practices adapted from pharmaceutical industry standards. Extraction methods using volatile solvents require specialized equipment with explosion-proof construction and ventilation systems. The commission prohibits certain extraction methods deemed unsafe and requires validation of solvent removal to ensure residual levels below established thresholds.

Testing Requirements

All cannabis products must undergo testing at independent laboratories licensed by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission before distribution to dispensaries. Testing protocols include potency analysis for THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids; screening for pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides; heavy metals testing; microbial contamination testing for bacteria, mold, and yeast; and residual solvent analysis for products made using extraction. Laboratories must achieve ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and participate in proficiency testing programs. The commission conducts regular inspections of testing facilities and may suspend licenses for inaccurate results or procedural violations. Products failing any test must be destroyed under commission supervision, with documentation maintained for regulatory review.

Dispensary Operations

Licensed dispensaries serve as the patient-facing retail component of Alabama's medical cannabis program. Dispensaries must verify patient medical cannabis cards and government-issued identification before sales. Staff members, called "dispensing agents," must complete commission-approved training on product knowledge, dosing, drug interactions, and responsible use counseling. Dispensaries must maintain secure storage for cannabis products, with access limited to authorized personnel. Video surveillance systems must record all areas where cannabis is stored, displayed, or sold, with footage retained for at least 90 days. Dispensaries may not advertise in ways that appeal to minors or promote recreational use. The commission restricts signage and prohibits advertising on billboards, radio, or television.

Market and Business Implications

Alabama's medical cannabis market is projected to generate $100-150 million in annual sales within three years of operation, creating hundreds of jobs and generating millions in tax revenue for the state. The five integrated facility licenses create a limited-competition market structure. Unlike states with unlimited cultivation licenses, Alabama's approach concentrates market power among a small number of vertically integrated operators. This structure may result in higher wholesale prices compared to more competitive markets, but proponents argue it ensures quality control and regulatory compliance. Industry analysts estimate each integrated facility invested $10-15 million in infrastructure, equipment, and initial operating capital. Dispensary operators, who purchase products from integrated facilities for retail sale, face different economics. Dispensary licenses do not include cultivation or processing rights, limiting operators to retail margins. The commission authorized approximately 20 dispensary licenses statewide, with geographic distribution requirements ensuring access in rural areas. Dispensary operators invested an estimated $500,000 to $1 million each in buildout, inventory, security systems, and working capital. Federal tax treatment under Internal Revenue Code Section 280E significantly impacts cannabis business profitability. Section 280E prohibits businesses trafficking in Schedule I or II controlled substances from deducting ordinary business expenses for federal tax purposes. Cannabis operators may deduct only cost of goods sold, resulting in effective tax rates often exceeding 70% of gross profit. This tax treatment applies to Alabama medical cannabis businesses despite state-level legalization, creating substantial financial burdens and reducing capital available for expansion and patient services. Banking access remains limited for Alabama cannabis businesses. Most national and regional banks refuse accounts for cannabis operators due to federal money laundering concerns under the Bank Secrecy Act. Some Alabama credit unions and community banks provide limited services, but many operators conduct business primarily in cash, creating security risks and operational inefficiencies. The SAFE Banking Act, which would protect financial institutions serving state-legal cannabis businesses, has not passed Congress despite multiple attempts. The Alabama Department of Revenue collects a 9% excise tax on medical cannabis sales at the wholesale level, in addition to standard state and local sales taxes. The commission estimates tax revenue of $10-15 million annually once the market matures, with funds allocated to program administration, law enforcement training, and substance abuse treatment programs. Employment in Alabama's cannabis industry includes cultivation technicians, extraction specialists, quality assurance personnel, dispensary staff, security personnel, and administrative roles. The commission requires background checks for all cannabis industry employees, disqualifying individuals with certain criminal convictions. Industry associations estimate the program will create 1,000-1,500 direct jobs statewide within three years.

What Experts Say

Medical professionals, policy analysts, and industry observers offer varied perspectives on Alabama's medical cannabis program, reflecting ongoing debates about therapeutic benefits, regulatory design, and social equity. Dr. Jerzy Szaflarski, director of the UAB Epilepsy Center, has conducted research on CBD for seizure disorders under Carly's Law since 2015. According to published research findings, Szaflarski's studies documented seizure reduction in approximately 50% of pediatric epilepsy patients treated with CBD oil. Szaflarski has stated in medical journal publications that expanding access to full-spectrum cannabis products could benefit additional patient populations, though he emphasizes the need for continued research on dosing, drug interactions, and long-term effects. Karen O'Keefe, director of state policies at the Marijuana Policy Project, characterized Alabama's program as "overly restrictive" in public statements following the law's passage. O'Keefe noted that the prohibition on smokable flower limits patient choice and may increase costs, as processed products typically carry higher prices than flower. She also criticized the limited number of integrated licenses, arguing that restricted competition could result in supply shortages and elevated prices. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has emphasized law enforcement's continued focus on illicit cannabis activity despite medical legalization. In public statements, Marshall noted that medical cannabis laws do not affect criminal penalties for non-medical possession, cultivation, or distribution. He directed district attorneys to prosecute unauthorized cannabis activity vigorously while respecting the rights of registered patients and licensed operators. Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary care physician and cannabis specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, has written extensively about medical cannabis implementation challenges. In published commentary on state programs, Grinspoon identified physician education as a critical gap, noting that most medical schools provide minimal training on cannabis therapeutics. He recommended that states invest in continuing medical education programs to help physicians make evidence-based recommendations about cannabis use, dosing, and potential interactions with conventional medications. Morgan Fox, political director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, praised Alabama's program as progress while noting limitations. According to public statements, Fox emphasized that medical cannabis programs represent incremental steps toward comprehensive legalization and that patient access should not be restricted by arbitrary limitations on product forms or qualifying conditions.

What's Next

Alabama's medical cannabis program enters its operational phase in May 2026, with the first dispensary opening marking the beginning of legal patient access after five years of implementation.

Immediate Timeline (May-December 2026)

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission expects additional dispensaries to open throughout summer and fall 2026 as operators complete final inspections and receive inventory from integrated facilities. The commission will monitor supply and demand closely, with authority to adjust cultivation limits if shortages develop. Patient registration is expected to accelerate once products become available, with projections of 10,000-15,000 registered patients by year-end 2026. The commission will conduct regular inspections of all licensed facilities during the first year of operation, with particular attention to compliance with security, testing, and record-keeping requirements. Violations may result in fines, license suspensions, or revocations. The commission has indicated it will publish quarterly reports on program metrics including patient registrations, product sales by category, and enforcement actions.

Potential Legislative Adjustments (2027-2028)

Patient advocates and some legislators have indicated interest in expanding the program through future legislation. Potential amendments could include adding qualifying conditions, authorizing smokable flower, increasing the number of integrated licenses, or creating social equity provisions for license applicants from communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition. The Alabama Legislature convenes annually in regular session beginning in February. Medical cannabis amendments could be introduced in the 2027 or 2028 sessions, though passage would require navigating the same conservative political dynamics that shaped the original law. Governor Ivey has not indicated whether she would support program expansions.

Federal Rescheduling Implications

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has proposed rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, following a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services. If finalized, rescheduling would not legalize cannabis under federal law but would eliminate Section 280E tax penalties for state-legal cannabis businesses, significantly improving profitability. Rescheduling could also facilitate additional medical research and potentially encourage more physicians to recommend cannabis. The DEA's notice of proposed rulemaking initiated a public comment period, with a final decision expected in late 2026 or 2027. Alabama cannabis businesses and patients would benefit from rescheduling through improved economics and reduced federal-state legal tensions.

Broader Legalization Debates

Alabama's medical cannabis program exists within a broader national context of evolving cannabis policy. As of May 2026, 38 states have authorized medical cannabis and 24 states have legalized adult-use cannabis. Southern states including Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas operate medical programs, while Virginia has authorized adult-use sales. Polling in Alabama suggests growing public support for cannabis policy reform. A 2025 survey by the University of South Alabama found that 68% of Alabama residents support medical cannabis legalization, while 43% support adult-use legalization. These figures represent significant shifts from a decade earlier, when majorities opposed any form of legalization. However, Alabama's conservative political culture and Republican legislative supermajorities make adult-use legalization unlikely in the near term. Advocates focus on strengthening the medical program and building public confidence in regulated cannabis access before pursuing broader reforms.

Further Reading

• Alabama Code Title 20, Chapter 2A - Medical Cannabis (full statutory text): https://www.legislature.state.al.us/
• Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission official website: https://amcc.alabama.gov/
• Darren Wesley 'Wig' Hall Compassion Act, Senate Bill 46 (2021): https://www.legislature.state.al.us/
• Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Administrative Rules: https://amcc.alabama.gov/
• University of Alabama at Birmingham CBD Research Program: https://www.uab.edu/
• U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Cannabis Rescheduling: https://www.federalregister.gov/
• Internal Revenue Code Section 280E: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/280E
• Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/812
• Marijuana Policy Project State Policy Database: https://www.mpp.org/states/
• National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Alabama Chapter: https://norml.org/

Update — May 27, 2026: Patients hold cards but dispensaries remain closed

Alabama medical marijuana patients received their state-issued cards but faced continued delays in accessing product, as no licensed dispensaries had opened for retail sales by late May 2026. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission issued patient cards following the completion of physician certifications and application processing, yet the supply chain remained incomplete. According to the commission, integrated facility licenses were awarded but cultivation and processing timelines extended beyond initial projections, leaving cardholders without legal purchase options.

The commission had approved multiple cultivation licenses in 2025, but operators encountered construction delays, equipment procurement issues, and extended state inspections before harvest. State regulations require all cannabis products to undergo third-party laboratory testing for potency and contaminants before retail distribution. No batches had completed the full testing and packaging approval process by the end of May, according to commission statements.

Patient advocacy groups expressed frustration over the gap between card issuance and product availability. Cardholders who qualified under conditions including chronic pain, PTSD, and terminal illness continued to rely on out-of-state travel or unregulated sources. The commission projected that the first dispensaries could begin sales in mid-to-late summer 2026, contingent on harvest completion and final regulatory sign-offs.

The delay carries financial implications for licensed operators who invested capital in facilities and staffing without revenue generation. Patients holding valid cards faced no legal penalties for possession once dispensaries opened, but the interim period left them in regulatory limbo. The commission scheduled weekly updates on cultivation progress and dispensary readiness through its public portal.