The Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts has identified significant deficiencies in an audit of the state's medical cannabis program. The report, covering the period from May 2021 to September 2025, documents at least five cases of non-compliance by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. These include violations of state record-keeping requirements, breaches of the Alabama Open Meetings Act, and an overpayment exceeding $200,000 in a service contract for legal consulting.
Additional issues emerged regarding the incomplete establishment of licensing and fee structures mandated by medical cannabis legislation. The Commission also created an administrative rule for lost or stolen medical cannabis cards that contradicts state law. The overpayment, representing approximately 50 percent of the total $400,000 contract, required the affected vendor to file a claim with the Alabama Board of Adjustments.
The audit underscores the importance of robust regulation in overseeing cannabis programs. Such proceedings are also relevant to other states and jurisdictions developing or expanding their medical cannabis infrastructure. Source: Ganjapreneur
