State Moves Forward with Dispensary Training as Patient Education Questions Remain

From the Alabama Cannabis Coalition

Montgomery, AL — The Alabama Cannabis Coalition (ACC) is raising concerns following confirmation that the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has begun training dispensary employees through its “Medical Cannabis Foundations Training Course for Dispensaries.”

The training, scheduled for April 15, is required for dispensary employees seeking certification as “Certified Dispensers,” signaling that the operational infrastructure of Alabama’s medical cannabis program is actively moving forward.

However, while dispensary staff are being trained behind the scenes, patients across Alabama are still being left without clear guidance on how to access the program.

“While the state is preparing dispensaries for operation, patients are still asking a simple question: How do I access it?” said a spokesperson for the Alabama Cannabis Coalition. “Without clear public education, patients risk being left behind as implementation continues.”

The ACC emphasizes that patient awareness is a critical component of any functioning medical cannabis program. Without a coordinated and accessible public education effort, patients may remain unaware of how to navigate registration, physician certification, and eventual access to products.

On March 22, 2026, the Alabama Cannabis Coalition submitted a formal inquiry to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission and the Office of Kay Ivey requesting information regarding any planned public education campaign.

On April 1, 2026, a response was received indicating that the Commission is exploring ways to better educate physicians and patients as the program moves forward. However, details of a formal public education plan remain unclear.

The Coalition maintains that while progress on the supply side of the program is evident, equal attention must be given to ensuring that Alabama patients are informed, prepared, and able to participate.

“Without informed patients, none of this works.”

The Alabama Cannabis Coalition will continue to monitor developments and advocate for transparency, accessibility, and patient-focused implementation of Alabama’s medical cannabis program.