Alabama Always, LLC Sues State Officials Over Medical Cannabis License Disputes
Montgomery, AL – Alabama Always, LLC has launched a federal lawsuit against members of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC), alleging retaliation and violations of constitutional rights amid ongoing disputes over the state’s medical cannabis licensing process. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, claims that AMCC officials have repeatedly denied the company a license due to its public criticisms of the Commission’s decisions.
Will Somerville, attorney for Alabama Always, emphasized the importance of free expression and the right to petition the government. “Our company followed the rules and met all qualifications,” he asserted. “Yet we were denied repeatedly, and when we highlighted legal violations by the Commission, they retaliated against us.”
Ben McNeil, a board member of Alabama Always, criticized the Commission for allegedly granting licenses to companies that do not meet state requirements, claiming that their lawsuits have been met with hostility and retaliation. “Going to court was the only way to ensure they follow the law,” McNeil stated.
The lawsuit names individual AMCC commissioners under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for purported constitutional infringements and seeks compensatory damages. Recently, a Circuit Court found the AMCC in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act, which has raised further concerns about fairness in the licensing process.
Somerville stressed that the legal action represents more than just one company’s struggle, aiming to protect the integrity of Alabama’s medical cannabis program against political manipulation. “The people of Alabama deserve a fair and lawful medical cannabis program,” he declared.
This lawsuit reflects the ongoing challenges faced in Alabama’s medical cannabis rollout, marred by court battles, accusations of favoritism, and calls for greater transparency. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders continue to seek clarity and fairness in a program designed to provide essential relief to patients.
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