No Response Yet Following Public Inquiry on Alabama's Medical Cannabis Program

Opelika, Ala. - March 31, 2026 - More than a week after an inquiry was submitted to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) and Governor Kay Ivey regarding public education efforts for the state's medical cannabis program, no response has been issued by either office. The lack of communication has intensified concerns about how Alabamians will be informed as the long‑delayed program moves toward implementation.

The initial inquiry, sent on March 22, 2026, sought clarity on a fundamental question: how the public will be notified that the medical cannabis program is operational. A follow‑up press release issued on March 27 reiterated the same concerns, emphasizing the need for clear, accessible public guidance.

As of March 31, both direct outreach and public requests remain unanswered.

Public Awareness Still Lacking

Nearly five years after the passage of the Compassion Act, many Alabamians remain unaware that the medical cannabis program is moving forward. Advocates warn that without a coordinated public education effort, the system cannot function as intended.

A lack of public information creates several barriers:

Physicians cannot qualify patients if individuals do not know the program is active.

Patients cannot register or connect with a certified physician without clear instructions.

Qualified patients cannot access products if they are unaware that dispensaries and licensed operators are coming online.

Advocates argue that without direct communication from state officials, patients may continue to be left behind even as the program advances.

Statement from the Alabama Cannabis Coalition

H. Marty Schelper, Founder and President of the Alabama Cannabis Coalition, expressed frustration at the silence from state leaders.

"We have now reached out privately and publicly, and still have not received a response," Schelper said. "Patients should not be left to navigate this process without clear direction. Public awareness is not optional - it is essential for this program to function."

Schelper emphasized that the Coalition's concerns are rooted in ensuring the program serves the people it was designed to help.

"This is not about criticism. It is about ensuring that the people this program was intended to serve are not left without guidance after years of waiting."

Call for Direct Public Engagement

The Coalition is encouraging Alabamians with questions or concerns to contact the AMCC directly through its public inquiry portal:

https://amcc.alabama.gov/contact/

Advocates say direct communication from citizens is vital to identifying real‑world implementation issues, delays, and bottlenecks that may otherwise go unaddressed.

Media Contact Policy

The Alabama Cannabis Coalition notes that all media inquiries must be directed to official Coalition representatives. The organization remains the sole authorized source for its statements, positions, and advocacy efforts.