Alabama Marijuana Compliance
As of 2021, Alabama has legalized marijuana for medical purposes for adult residents that meet certain requirements. However, recreational use of marijuana remains illegal under Alabama state law.
What is your company's responsibility for Alabama marijuana compliance? Alabama's medical cannabis law does not require employers to accommodate medical cannabis use or modify working conditions because of it. Employers may maintain drug-testing policies and refuse to hire, discipline, or discharge someone because of medical cannabis use, regardless of whether the person is impaired. Other applicable employment laws and federal testing requirements still apply.
Register for a drug test online by clicking the "Register Now" button below. You can also call (888) 378-2499 with any questions about our drug testing services.
This Information Is Not Intended for Legal Purposes
The information provided on this page is intended for your own knowledge, and should not be used for legal matters. Since marijuana testing regulations can vary, we advise you to seek the guidance of expert legal counsel when creating your company's substance abuse screening program.
Alabama Marijuana Compliance
Alabama Marijuana Laws
Overall Status: Partially Legal
Alabama permits medical cannabis for qualifying residents who obtain physician certification, register with the state program, and receive a valid medical cannabis card. Adult patients must be at least 19; younger patients participate through a registered caregiver. Recreational marijuana remains illegal.
Medical Marijuana: Legal
Qualifying Alabama residents ages 19 and older may register as adult medical cannabis patients. Patients younger than 19 must participate through a registered caregiver; AMCC's current patient guidance requires that caregiver to be the patient's parent or legal guardian.
Patients need a qualifying medical condition, certification from a registered certifying physician, registration in the AMCC patient system, and a valid medical cannabis card. Patients younger than 19 may not use medical cannabis containing more than 3% THC.
The recommendation must come from an Alabama physician certified by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and registered with the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. Patients should use AMCC's current list of registered certifying physicians.
Approved medical conditions in Alabama include sickle cell anemia, seizure disorders, terminal illnesses, PTSD, Crohn's disease, Tourette's syndrome, AIDS-related nausea, depression, autism, panic disorder, Parkinson's disease, and more.
Decriminalized: No
Alabama has not decriminalized marijuana, and recreational use remains illegal under state law. The medical cannabis law preserves employers' ability to establish and enforce drug-testing policies. Employers must still comply with other applicable employment laws and any requirements governing their testing programs.
Recreational Marijuana: Illegal
Alabama has not legalized recreational marijuana. Possession and other activities outside the medical program's protections can result in criminal penalties.
Last updated 10/23/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana legal in Alabama?
Marijuana is not legal for recreational use in Alabama. However, Alabama residents that meet certain requirements may obtain a medical marijuana card and use marijuana for medicinal purposes only. In either case, employers may still test their workers for marijuana use.
Are there any unique laws about marijuana in Alabama?
Alabama's medical cannabis law only protects people who follow the program's rules. Registered patients must have a valid medical cannabis card and stay within the state's possession limits.
The Compassion Act also goes after cannabis that leaves the program. Distributing, possessing, making, or using medical cannabis that was diverted from a registered patient, caregiver, or licensed business is a Class B felony. That penalty comes on top of any other marijuana charges the person faces.
How can marijuana be legal in the state and illegal federally?
Marijuana state vs. federal laws can at times be confusing. It is possible for marijuana to become legal under state law, even though it remains illegal under federal law.
An order effective April 28, 2026, moved marijuana in FDA-approved drug products and marijuana covered by qualifying state medical licenses to federal Schedule III. This did not broadly legalize marijuana. Recreational marijuana remains in Schedule I, and federal registration and other requirements continue to apply.
What is Alabama's history with marijuana?
Alabama authorized medical cannabis in May 2021 through the Darren Wesley "Ato" Hall Compassion Act. Licensing disputes delayed access for several years. According to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, the state's first medical cannabis dispensary opened on June 4, 2026. Recreational marijuana remains illegal.
What is the punishment for possession in Alabama?
Unauthorized possession for other than personal use is a Class C felony. The standard sentencing range is one year and one day to ten years, with a standard maximum fine of $15,000.
Unauthorized possession for personal use after a qualifying prior personal-possession conviction is a Class D felony. The standard sentencing range is one year and one day to five years, with a standard maximum fine of $7,500. Prior convictions, sentencing guidelines, and other sentencing provisions may affect the sentence and how it is served.
Drug Panels That Exclude Marijuana
Urine Drug Panels That Exclude Marijuana Testing
Some of the popular drug panels that remove marijuana testing are listed below:
Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug tests that exclude marijuana, where you'll find a complete list of drug tests that do not include THC testing under the "Exclude Marijuana" section.
Hair Drug Panels That Exclude Marijuana Testing
Two of our popular hair tests allow for the option to exclude marijuana from the panel of substances being tested. These include:
For a complete list of our hair drug tests, take a look at our comprehensive list of hair tests.
Drug Panels That Include Marijuana
Urine Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing
Many of our testing options include marijuana testing. Below are some of the most popular urine drug tests including marijuana:
Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug tests that include marijuana.
Hair Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing
Our variety of hair drug tests include many options for marijuana testing. Some of the most commonly ordered hair drug tests are:
A comprehensive list of the hair drug tests that we offer can be found here.