Dothan residents and Wiregrass area medical cannabis patients should note that Alabama’s public health officials on Thursday withdrew their objection to the federal rescheduling of marijuana. This action, characterized as procedural by officials, followed a July public hearing and finalizes the state's position on the federal reclassification.
The governing body of the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) had previously voted in May to delay the rescheduling. This delay was intended to provide officials with additional time to determine the best way to implement the federal change, though ADPH noted at the time that they fully intended to reschedule the drug.
State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris stated Thursday morning that he did not see any issues with the impending change. Harris observed that public comments received during the process largely focused on the broader topic of marijuana itself rather than the specific impacts of its rescheduling. He noted that while there were many passionate people with strong feelings on the matter, these comments primarily reflected general support or opposition to medical marijuana rather than addressing "what are the consequences of rescheduling."
During the public hearing, conservative activists voiced concerns that the rescheduling would lead to harm for children and worsen the state's mental health crisis. Conversely, the sole proponent of rescheduling at the hearing argued that failing to proceed with the change would cause distrust between patients and doctors. Dr. Harris confirmed that ADPH’s legal team had resolved all of the department’s initial concerns, including potential impacts on pharmacies and individuals seeking the medication.
The federal change in question originated in April, when the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reclassified marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Schedule I drugs are those with the greatest potential for abuse and the least legitimate use, while Schedule III drugs are considered to have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. This DOJ order followed an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in December, which instructed the DOJ to move towards rescheduling. Separately, former President Joe Biden had also instructed the DOJ to reschedule the drug in 2024, though hearings related to his instruction were canceled in early 2025.
This federal reclassification carries significant implications for businesses and researchers. The federal order specifically applies to state-licensed medical marijuana products in states that permit medicinal use of the drug. For medical cannabis businesses, the change means they can now deduct standard business expenses from their federal taxes, a benefit previously unavailable due to marijuana's Schedule I status. Furthermore, researchers will gain expanded access to state-legal medical cannabis products. As a Schedule I drug, research was severely limited, as only cannabis grown in a federal facility could be studied, restricting the available supply for scientific inquiry.
Despite the federal reclassification, Dr. Harris stated that the rescheduling would not impact Alabama’s existing medical cannabis program. Alabama's program was established by the Legislature in 2021. Currently, three dispensaries are operational across the state, with seven additional locations expected to open within the next few months. When the program reaches its full capacity, nearly 40 dispensaries will be serving authorized patients. Dr. Harris explained the lack of impact, clarifying that the state's program is already active, even though marijuana retains its Schedule I status within Alabama. He noted that the state statute was written to essentially decriminalize medical cannabis for those authorized to possess it.
The committee overseeing the decision ultimately voted unanimously to withdraw its objection, solidifying Alabama's alignment with the federal reclassification effort.
