A judge in Montgomery, Alabama has appointed a mediator in the ongoing dispute over who will receive licenses to grow and sell medical marijuana in the state. The appointment of retired Circuit Judge Eugene Reese by Montgomery Circuit Judge James Anderson aims to expedite the resolution of the legal battle that has prevented the availability of medical cannabis in Alabama.
Although lawmakers approved a medical cannabis program in 2021, the process of awarding licenses has been plagued by legal challenges from companies that were denied licenses. Allegations of violations of state law and administrative rules in the selection of license winners have led to delays, leaving patients frustrated.
Alabama Always, a company that was not awarded a license, welcomed the decision to enter mediation, expressing hope that a new set of rules for the investigative process will be agreed upon to move the program forward. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, responsible for awarding licenses, declined to comment on the mediation order.
The commission has attempted to award licenses three times since accepting applications in 2022, with two previous attempts being rescinded. Anderson has also issued a temporary restraining order blocking the issuance of some licenses, questioning the validity of the latest round of awards.
The situation in Alabama mirrors past legal battles over medical marijuana programs, such as in Florida where disputes over license caps ensued. As more states move towards legalization of recreational marijuana, the issue of medical cannabis remains a contentious topic across the country.
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