What 9 Cities in Alabama Can Have Dispensaries?
Alabama's medical cannabis law allows dispensaries in nine cities: Birmingham, Athens, Attalla, Daphne, Montgomery, and four others. These are the only locations where licensed dispensaries can operate, and they are for medical patients only.
The 9 Alabama Cities Where Dispensaries Are Allowed
Alabama's medical cannabis program, established under the Compassion Act, limits dispensaries to nine specific cities. These locations were chosen by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) to ensure patient access across the state.
| City | County | Licensed Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | Jefferson | GP6 Wellness (two dispensaries) |
| Athens | Limestone | GP6 Wellness |
| Attalla | Etowah | GP6 Wellness |
| Daphne | Baldwin | Flowerwood Medical Cannabis |
| Montgomery | Montgomery | RJK Holdings |
| Huntsville | Madison | CCS of Alabama |
| Mobile | Mobile | CCS of Alabama |
| Dothan | Houston | RJK Holdings |
| Tuscaloosa | Tuscaloosa | CCS of Alabama |
These nine cities are the only places in Alabama where medical cannabis dispensaries can legally operate. Patients must visit one of these locations to purchase their medicine.
Which Companies Will Run Dispensaries in Each City?
The AMCC has awarded dispensary licenses to several companies, each responsible for specific cities. Here's the breakdown of who operates where.
| Company | Cities | Number of Dispensaries |
|---|---|---|
| GP6 Wellness | Birmingham, Athens, Attalla | 3 (Birmingham has 2) |
| Flowerwood Medical Cannabis | Daphne | 1 |
| RJK Holdings | Montgomery, Dothan | 2 |
| CCS of Alabama | Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa | 3 |
These companies are the primary operators, but the AMCC may approve additional licenses in the future. For now, these are the names you'll see when dispensaries open.
Opening Timeline: What's Open and What's Coming
A good fit if…
- You're a registered patient and need access soon.
- You live near one of the nine cities and can travel.
- You're willing to wait for the full rollout.
Consider another option if…
- You're not a medical patient—recreational isn't legal.
- You're far from any of the nine cities.
- You need immediate access; only a few dispensaries are open.
As of now, only one dispensary is operational, with others pending final inspections and approvals. The AMCC is working through the process, but delays have occurred. Check the AMCC website for updates on specific locations.
Medical vs. Recreational: What's Legal in Alabama?
Alabama is a medical-only state. Recreational cannabis is not legal, and there are no walk-in recreational dispensaries. Here's the comparison:
| Type | Legal? | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Medical cannabis | Yes, with a card | Licensed dispensaries in the nine cities |
| Recreational cannabis | No | Not available; closest is in neighboring states |
If you're looking for recreational, you'd need to travel to a state where it's legal. But for medical patients, Alabama's program is the only legal option.
Find a Dispensary Near You
- Check the map – See which of the nine cities is closest to you.
- Verify hours – Each dispensary has its own schedule; call ahead.
- Bring your card – You'll need your medical cannabis card and ID.
- Plan your visit – Some locations may have limited stock initially.
If you're near a city like Birmingham or Mobile, you have options. For those farther away, consider the travel time and plan accordingly. Our team at Harbor Collective can help you understand what to expect at a dispensary.
How to Get Your Alabama Medical Cannabis Card
- Get certified – Find a physician registered with the AMCC to certify your condition.
- Apply online – Submit your application through the state's portal.
- Pay the fee – The cost varies, but it's typically around $65 for a two-year card.
- Receive your card – Once approved, you'll get your card in the mail.
You must be 21 or older and a resident of Alabama. The process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead.
Qualifying Conditions for Alabama Medical Cannabis
Alabama's Compassion Act lists specific conditions that qualify for medical cannabis. Check if yours is included:
- Cancer – For pain, nausea, or appetite loss.
- Chronic pain – Persistent pain that hasn't responded to other treatments.
- Epilepsy – Seizure disorders.
- PTSD – Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Multiple sclerosis – Muscle spasms and pain.
- Crohn's disease – Inflammatory bowel disease.
This isn't the full list, but these are common. A certifying physician can confirm if your condition qualifies.
Sources
Also asked as
- Which cities in Alabama are approved for dispensaries?
- Where can medical marijuana dispensaries be located in Alabama?
- What are the nine Alabama cities with dispensaries?
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest recreational dispensary to Alabama?
Recreational cannabis is not legal in Alabama. The closest states with recreational dispensaries include Missouri, which borders Alabama's northern neighbor, Tennessee. However, you cannot bring cannabis across state lines, even if you purchased it legally elsewhere.
Are there recreational dispensaries in Arkansas?
No, Arkansas only has medical cannabis dispensaries. Recreational use is not legal there. If you're in Alabama, you'd need to travel further to a state like Missouri for recreational options.
What states have walk-in dispensaries?
Most states with legal cannabis have walk-in dispensaries, including medical and recreational. In Alabama, dispensaries are medical-only and operate by appointment or walk-in, depending on the location. Check with the specific dispensary for their policy.
Which online dispensary ships to all 50 states?
No legitimate online dispensary can ship cannabis across state lines because it's federally illegal. Some may sell CBD or hemp-derived products, but THC cannabis is only available in-state. Always buy from licensed dispensaries.
What states have medical and recreational dispensaries?
Many states have both, including California, Colorado, Michigan, and Illinois. In these states, you can buy without a medical card if you're 21+. Alabama is medical-only, so you'll need a card to purchase.