In a rare announcement on Wednesday from the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, members advertised the approval of an open call for qualified businesses to apply to become a state testing laboratory.

Testing labs were a subset of license categories the AMCC considered and approved in 2023, however, the industry has not been activated yet due to an intensive litigation battle that has the 2021 law’s implementation effectively on hold.

The announcement is a sign of progress, Director of the AMCC, John McMillan, said.

“Despite some delays, we are excited to see the progress that’s being made in Alabama’s medical  cannabis industry,” McMillan said.

“There are several licensed cultivators who are  growing and harvesting legal cannabis in Alabama, and this offering of state testing laboratory licenses is critical to move those crops through the process and, ultimately, into the hands of  Alabama patients.” 

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According to the AMCC, only applicants who submit a request for business application by March 14, 2025, will receive an application form. The forms and accompanying application  instructions will issue to requestors on March 17, 2025, and applicants will have until April 16,  2025, to file their application. The commission will “review and evaluate all timely and properly filed applications, and award  licenses in this offering on June 17, 2025.”

“The primary objective of the Commission has always been helping Alabama patients through  access to the benefits of medical cannabis products,” explained Commission Chairman Rex Vaughn.

“Delivering on that objective is possible only if we have licensed state testing laboratories  to ensure those products are safe and satisfy the requirements of Alabama law.”