Trulieve Alabama Recognized as Minority-Owned Business

LOS ANGELES- The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) has recently taken a significant step forward in the development of the state’s medical cannabis industry. In a pivotal move, the AMCC awarded integrated licenses to five companies, marking a crucial phase in the implementation of the medical marijuana law passed in 2021 in Alabama. This development was reported by the news outlet AL.com.

Among the 33 applicants, Trulieve Alabama, Inc. stood out as the only enterprise recognized as a “minority-owned business” to receive one of these coveted licenses. The 2021 law specifically mandated that at least one of the five licenses be allocated to a company with at least 51% minority ownership, a criterion fulfilled by Trulieve Alabama.

This decision underscores a broader trend in the cannabis industry, where larger corporations often partner with minority operators to meet state-level “social equity” provisions. Trulieve, a publicly traded company initially founded in Florida, has expanded into various states. However, its journey has not been without controversy, including the unfortunate incident involving the death of employee Lorna McMurrey at one of their Massachusetts locations in January 2022.

The other four companies joining Trulieve Alabama in receiving these licenses are Sustainable Alabama, LLC; Wagon Trail Med-Serv LLC; Flowerwood Medical Cannabis, LLC; and Specialty Medical Products of Alabama, LLC. These licenses enable the recipients to engage in the cultivation, processing, transportation, and dispensing of medical cannabis.

While the awarding of the licenses marks a significant milestone, they are scheduled to be officially issued on January 9, following the completion of various prerequisites, including license fee payment and site inspections by the AMCC.

The licensing process in Alabama has been challenging, with several rounds of adjustments due to procedural issues and litigation. This third attempt by the AMCC reflects its efforts to enhance transparency and fairness in the selection process, including holding open meetings and revising evaluation methods.

Each of the licensees, including Trulieve Alabama, is required to pass an on-site inspection to ensure compliance with state standards. The AMCC aims to make medical cannabis products available by spring 2024, following a provisional timeline.

Furthermore, the awarding of these licenses opens the door for physicians to start certifying patients for medical cannabis use. The Alabama medical marijuana law specifies qualifying conditions for patient eligibility and permits a variety of product forms, including gummies, tablets, capsules, tinctures, patches, oils, and others, expanding treatment options for patients in the state.