MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission revealed in their April meeting that the first dispensary in Alabama history is likely set to serve their first patient on May 4.

The first location to open, according to the commission, will be Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery.

Some commission members toured that facility before their Thursday meeting.

“Callie’s Apothecary put me at home,” said AMCC Chairman Dr. Sam Blakemore. “It reminded me of being back at a pharmacy.”

“A patient will not be able to even enter the door unless a picture is taken of their medical cannabis card and relayed through the system,” AMCC Director John McMillan explained. “It’s just amazing. Cameras everywhere, lights everywhere, locks everywhere.”

There are currently three licensed dispensers. Each one can open three Alabama locations, and according to Dr. Blakemore, all nine of those locations are expected to be open by summer.

“We’re waiting on the fourth license that’s still held up, so hopefully by the fourth quarter we’ll have all 12 operational,” Dr. Blakemore said.

In their meeting, the commission revealed that over 40 physicians have been approved to prescribe cannabis by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, and 66 medical cannabis cards have been issued so far. They expect those numbers to significantly grow once the program is fully operational.

Dr. Blakemore says one of his priorities is price transparency for patients.

“I’ve found a lot of price data from Minnesota, because they initially utilized products that were medical cannabis and non-flower, and typically the price is around $150 to $200 a month,” Dr. Blakemore said. “That can change based off of diagnosis.”

According to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission website, dispensaries will open in the following locations:

• Athens (Limestone County)
• Attalla (Etowah County)
• Birmingham (Jefferson County)
• Cullman (Cullman County)
• Daphne (Baldwin County)
• Mobile (Mobile County)
• Montgomery (Montgomery County)
• Oxford (Calhoun County)
• Talladega (Talladega County)

Dr. Blakemore says if the commission sees a lack of accessibility, the commission will review if there is a need for more dispensaries.

It’s been a long road to get here for the AMCC. The commission, and legality of medical marijuana, were approved by lawmakers in 2021. A litany of legal proceedings has played a part in delaying access for patients.

In fact, there’s still ongoing litigation forintegrated license applicants, but commission members say it won’t affect the rollout of products in May and beyond.

It will, however, affect businesses that are vying for that license type.

“At the end of the day, getting patients medicine is what it’s all about. We’re very encouraged by the proceedings with the independent licenses and we’re hopeful that at the end we’ll also have an opportunity to participate,” said Ray French, the CEO of Specialty Medical Products, which hopes to secure an integrated license.

Dr. Blakemore was elected commission chairman during their April meeting to replace Rex Vaughn, who was recently appointed to Madison County Commission Chairman by the governor.

Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!

Copyright 2026 WSFA. All rights reserved.