Kay Ivey reflects on past four years
On Monday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey was sworn in for her second full term as Governor of the State. “Folks, standing here four years ago, I could never have imagined what was to come, but I am certain we came out stronger because of you, the good people of Alabama,” Ivey said. During Ivey’s term as governor, she emphasized road and port improvements, began construction on two new mega prisons, improved mental health services, and rural broadband. “We are making improvements to our roads and bridges in all 67 counties, as well as to the Port of Mobile,” Ivey said. “We are moving forward in constructing of new prisons while also continuing to make productive and reasonable reforms to our criminal justice system. We are making mental health care a priority with the addition of six new crisis centers.” “Speaking of results, over 61,000 more Alabama households and businesses will now have broadband access,” Ivey said. Ivey referenced the trend for biological males transitioning to being females and competing in women’s sports – a phenomenon Ivey has consistently opposed. “Never would I have thought that the day we elect a female governor and a female United States senator, we would also have to fight for our girls to have a fair chance when they compete in sports,” Ivey said. This was the fourth inauguration in a row where Republicans won every constitutional office, but Ivey asked for bipartisan cooperation. “I believe we have more in common than that which divides us,” Ivey said. “We all want Alabama to be the best place to live, we want our people working, and we want our children to receive a high-quality education. To put it simply, we all want to continue seeing more of our Alabama common sense. No doubt, much of our current success is a direct result of reaching across the aisle and working together for the betterment of our state.” Ivey highlighted the economic progress the state has achieved during her term as governor. “We have reached the lowest unemployment rate in our state’s history, multiple times over,” Ivey said. “We have more good paying jobs available today than at any other point before. I am proud to report today that since I have been governor, we have seen business investments in our state totaling $40 billion, which has created 73,000 new jobs. And I assure you, we are not done yet.” Public education has been abysmal in Alabama for years, but Ivey promised progress during her second term. “Alabama will rank in the top 30 states in reading and math for the first time in our history,” Ivey promised. “As your governor, I also support a parent being able to decide what is best for their own child’s education. We need to have meaningful discussions about school choice in Alabama, and I believe that begins with making needed reforms to our charter school option.” Ivey promised to send books to children through the age of five. “We will partner with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to ensure every Alabamian can receive books directly to their homes each month after they are born until five years of age,” Ivey said. Ivey promised to reduce regulations on business. “We will reduce burdens holding back our businesses and will cut regulations by 25 percent over the next two years,” Ivey said. Ivey vowed to get tough on crime. “We will back the blue, and that also means we will continue standing behind the men and women who serve our state as corrections officers,” Ivey stated. “Just last week, I signed an executive order to ensure violent criminals remain off the streets. We must do everything we can to ensure we will never again lose Alabamians like Bibb County Deputy Brad Johnson to a man who should never have been out of prison in the first place.” Inauguration day was also Martin Luther King Day. Ivey acknowledged King’s historical impact. “It was in this very place, in the heart of downtown of Montgomery, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called for equality for all,” Ivey said. “It is my hope we can embrace our history and be able to fully explain to every child how exceptional our country is today.” Dallas and Autauga Counties were hit by tornados on Thursday. Ivey spent recent days surveying the damage and working with local and federal officials to rebuild. “Just a few days ago, tornadoes ravaged parts of our state, stealing the lives of seven of our fellow Alabamians,” Ivey said. “The one light in all of this darkness was our people. Folks all over our state are flocking to the aid of their neighbors hardest hit. Alabamians’ love for each other prevails all, and I am confident we will come back stronger.” “I’m proud to be the second female governor of Alabama, having personally helped Governor Lurleen Wallace get elected in 1967,” Ivey said. “I commit to you today I will work hard over the next four years to build on our roots, so we can address our longstanding challenges, further our progress, and prepare for the future.” To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Greg Cook joins the Alabama Supreme Court
The Alabama Supreme Court held an Investiture and Oath of Office ceremony on Friday to welcome newly-elected Justice Greg Cook and re-elected Justice Kelli Wise. The Justices took their oaths of office in the Supreme Court Courtroom. “Yesterday was my investiture for the Alabama Supreme Court,” Cook said on Facebook. “I was overwhelmed by the many, many people who attended, for the thousands and thousands who supported me, and by the responsibility of this office. The Church service beforehand was so powerful and I am so thankful for St. John’s Episcopal and Donna Johnson and my pastor David Eldridge. I admit that I cried. I know that I owe God the glory for this opportunity. I am also so thankful to the many, many people at the Supreme Court (and Allison Skinner) who made the investiture so special. A special thanks to Justice Champ Lyons for swearing me in and to Attorney General Steve Marshall for presenting my commission. I have so much to be thankful.” Justice Cook was elected in November 2022 to fill the seat of Justice Michael F. Bolin, who retired last week after 18 years of service on the Supreme Court. Justice Wise was re-elected to her third term, having served on the Court since 2010. Chief Justice Tom Parker presided over the investiture ceremony. “We welcome our new colleague Justice Greg Cook to our Court, and we welcome back Justice Wise,” Parker said. “We thank them both for their past service in the legal and judicial community, and confidently pray and believe that their future service will honor the Lord, the law, and the trust that the people of Alabama have placed in them.” “I wish Mike all the best in his retirement from the bench, although I expect he will stay active in service to his beloved State and Jefferson County,” Parker continued. “Mike and I joined this Court at the same time in 2005, so it will not be the same here without his formidable presence and voice on the Supreme Court. I thank him for his decades of service and for his friendship.” Justice Cook formally took office and joined the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Alabama is one of the few states in the country that have partisan elected judges. All the Justices on the Alabama Supreme Court are Republicans. Similarly, all the Judges on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals are also Republicans. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
FEMA Deputy Administrator to visit storm ravaged areas
On Tuesday, FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks will be in Alabama to meet with state and local officials about the ongoing response and recovery efforts following the devastating tornadoes that swept across the state last week. Hooks will travel to Autauga and Dallas counties to survey the devastation caused by Thursday’s storms. President Joe Biden declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Alabama and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas of Dallas and Autauga Counties affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes on January 12, 2023. On Tuesday afternoon Congresswoman Terri Sewell will join the Deputy Administrator for a press conference. They will be joined by Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Jeff Smitherman, Selma Mayor James Perkins, Jr., Dallas County Emergency Management Director Toya Stiles-Crusoe, Autauga County Emergency Management Director Ernie Baggott, as well as local leaders and officials. “While the destruction impacting Selma and the Black Belt is widespread, our community is nothing if not strong and resilient,” Sewell said in a statement. “I’m confident that with the close coordination of federal, state, and local partners, we will be able to secure the necessary resources to build our community back better and stronger than before.” Individuals in Dallas and Autauga Counties can apply for disaster assistance with FEMA at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding also is available to State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in the counties of Autauga and Dallas. Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has named Kevin A. Wallace, Sr. as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Marshall condemns FDA’s ending of restrictions on abortion-inducing drugs as “illegal and dangerous”
On Friday, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that he led a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in sending a letter to the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Robert Califf, condemning the FDA’s recent decision to abandon its longstanding restrictions on the remote prescription and administration of abortion-inducing drugs. “The Food and Drug Administration’s decision to abandon commonsense restrictions on remotely prescribing and administering abortion-inducing drugs is both illegal and dangerous,” the attorney generals wrote in the letter. “In direct contravention of longstanding FDA practice and congressional mandate, the FDA’s rollback of important safety restrictions ignores both women’s health and straightforward federal statutes. We urge you to reverse your decision.” “The authority to regulate abortion lies with the people and their elected representatives,” the attorneys general continued. “In our states, we prioritize the health and safety of women and children, and our laws reflect this. And in many states, including Alabama, elective abortion is illegal. . . . Our States will not yield to the Administration’s radical pro-abortion policies.” The letter listed what the conservative attorneys general view as the serious risks associated with abortion-inducing drugs. “The FDA’s new policy is denounced by the attorneys general in no uncertain terms for “prioritizing . . . pro-abortion policy over women’s health,” which recklessly “endanger[s] the lives of women” in addition to “enthusiastically endanger[ing] the lives of unborn children,” the AGs wrote. “Though the FDA has abdicated its responsibility to protect women’s health, we have not,” the attorneys general conclude their letter. “To be crystal clear, you have not negated any of our laws that forbid the remote prescription, administration, and use of abortion-inducing drugs. The health and safety of our citizens—women and children included—is of paramount concern. Nothing in the FDA’s recent changes affects how we will protect our people.” Marshall was joined in sending the letter by the attorneys general of the states of Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. In 2020, a number of the attorneys general of the same states, including Alabama, filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court in opposition to a similar policy change that was demanded during the coronavirus pandemic by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Iffath Abbasi Hoskins, MD, president of ACOG, released a statement welcoming the FDA’s announcement of changes to restrictions on the provision of mifepristone. “Today’s announcement that the FDA will officially remove the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone for reproductive health indications represents an important step forward in securing access to medication abortion,” Hoskins said. “ACOG has advocated for many years for the in-person dispensing requirement to be removed from the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) for mifepristone. There is no clinical evidence that in-person dispensing improves the safety of this medication or patient outcomes; instead, this requirement unnecessarily restricted patient access to a safe and effective medication. Since 2020, continued usage of mifepristone for abortion care without the in-person dispensing requirement has been shown to be safe and effective, and the official change to the REMS means that clinicians now have concrete peace of mind that this regulation which has proven to be unnecessary has been removed.” “ACOG has long advocated that mifepristone be made available in retail pharmacies, just like other prescription drugs, to allow more patients access to abortion care without clinically unnecessary hurdles,” Hoskins said. This change will empower patients who choose medication abortion to have the option of going to a pharmacy for immediate care rather than waiting for a mail order if that is right for them. Codifying these important regulatory changes is a positive development at the end of a crushing year for abortion care.” Marshall was inaugurated on Monday to his second full term as Alabama AG. Marshall said that the conservative attorney generals “are the last line of defense” against the overreach of the Biden administration. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Robert Aderholt named Chairman of Labor, Health and Human Services & Education Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee
Congressman Robert Aderholt was selected as the Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services & Education Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee on Monday. “It is an honor to have been chosen to chair this important Appropriations Subcommittee,” Rep. Aderholt said. “The Labor, Health and Human Services & Education subcommittee is responsible for the largest pool of non-defense government spending in the entire federal budget, and with that comes the commitment to renewed oversight and fiscal responsibility as we move into the Fiscal Year 23 Appropriations cycle.” “The new Republican majority in the House has made a commitment to the American people to get government spending under control,” Aderholt continued. “As chairman of this committee under Appropriations, I will be laser-focused on looking at areas where we can reign in out-of-control spending, much of it put in place during the pandemic and no longer needed.” “As the national debt approaches $33 trillion, we must get control of the discretionary, non-defense spending,” Aderholt added. “With so many threats to our national security from the likes of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, cutting defense spending is, in my opinion, not an option. Therefore, we must look at areas of our domestic spending that have grown wildly out of control.” “I want to use the power of the gavel to make sure that this subcommittee is meeting its commitments to the departments and agencies it funds without breaking the bank built by American taxpayers,” Aderholt concluded. “Lastly, and most certainly not least, I will work as chairman to make sure we defend the most vulnerable among us by protecting the Hyde Amendment. For decades, this amendment, which prevents tax dollars from being used to pay for abortions, received bipartisan support. Only in recent years have some on the left tried to remove this important safeguard. I will work to make sure it stays firmly in place.” House Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger announced, “I’m proud to have this outstanding group of Members leading the Committee at this critical time for the country. These Members understand we must find ways to cut wasteful government spending while increasing the safety and security of the American people.” “We’ve got our work cut out for us, and this is the best team to get the job done,” Chairwoman Granger added. “We have an exceptional leader in Tom Cole and an experienced lineup of subcommittee chairs, all who are committed to passing conservative appropriations bills.” The House Appropriations Committee subcommittee chairs are: Since control of the House of Representatives has shifted from the Democrats to the Republicans, that means that all the powerful House Chairs are now Republicans. Congress members Terri Sewell and Jerry Carl serve on House Appropriations along with Aderholt. Aderholt is the dean of the Alabama Congressional delegation, having served in the House of Representatives since 1996. Aderholt represents Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District. Aderholt lives in Haleyville. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s inauguration speech
Text of Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s inauguration speech given on Jan. 16, 2023. Remarks as prepared: My fellow Alabamians: Today, as we mark the start of a new chapter in our state government, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to call Alabama and the United States of America our home. Four years ago, in this very spot, I said our people are our greatest resource and the fabric that holds our state together during both our best days and the more difficult ones. Folks, standing here four years ago, I could never have imagined what was to come, but I am certain we came out stronger because of you, the good people of Alabama. Just a few days ago, tornadoes ravaged parts of our state, stealing the lives of seven of our fellow Alabamians. The one light in all of this darkness was our people. Folks all over our state are flocking to the aid of their neighbors hardest hit. Alabamians’ love for each other prevails all, and I am confident we will come back stronger. I am truly honored by your overwhelming support. You elected me to serve as your governor for four more years, and that is a responsibility I do not take lightly. To my fellow constitutional officers, legislators, and other public servants, hear me loud and clear. We have a busy, productive, and full four years in front of us. Let us work together, and let’s not waste a single moment. We will keep Alabama working, and, as a team, we will ensure our best days are yet to come. Today is a time for us to celebrate all Alabama is, for us to reflect on what we have accomplished, and, most importantly, to plan for the future we are working towards. I am truly grateful to this year’s inaugural chairs for making today’s historic event possible, as well as the many volunteers, law enforcement officials, and others who lent a helping hand. We don’t need to sugarcoat it: Right now, with the state of our nation, times are tough. An unprecedented pandemic has led to the federal government spending way above our means. This has resulted in record-high inflation, which means higher costs everywhere you turn. Alabamians in every corner of our state stepped up in a real way when the pandemic halted how we live here in our country. And now, as your governor, I am doing everything in my power to step up for you and your families to provide meaningful and responsible assistance. Folks, we are living in what – at moments – feels like an unreal time. When I was a young girl growing up in Camden, I could never have imagined the world we live in today. Never would I have thought that the day we elect a female governor and a female United States senator, we would also have to fight for our girls to have a fair chance when they compete in sports. Over my lifetime, and especially during my years of public service, I have come to know the people of Alabama will never compromise our values. I believe our Alabama values make us who we are. And as your governor, I am proud of who we are, and I will always protect what we believe in, never forgetting our roots. And as we look ahead to a future filled with opportunity and great possibility, I pledge that we will build on our roots by focusing on getting the hard work done today while never forgetting that our work now matters most to our future generations. I believe we have more in common than that which divides us. We all want Alabama to be the best place to live; we want our people working; and we want our children to receive a high-quality education. To put it simply, we all want to continue seeing more of our Alabama common sense. No doubt, much of our current success is a direct result of reaching across the aisle and working together for the betterment of our state. We are making improvements to our roads and bridges in all 67 counties, as well as to the Port of Mobile. We are moving forward in constructing of new prisons. while also continuing to make productive and reasonable reforms to our criminal justice system. We are making mental health care a priority with the addition of six new crisis centers. We have put a renewed focus on the fundamentals of education and are beginning to see tangible results. Speaking of results, over 61,000 more Alabama households and businesses will now have broadband access. Since I have been governor, thanks to the work of the Alabama Legislature, we have cut well over half a billion dollars in taxes. That relief helped everyone from our middle class to our farmers to our small businesses to our first-time home buyers and even to those looking to adopt. We have reached the lowest unemployment rate in our state’s history multiple times over. We have more good-paying jobs available today than at any other point before. I am proud to report today that since I have been governor, we have seen business investments in our state totaling $40 billion dollars, which has created 73,000 new jobs. And I assure you, we are not done yet. The core issues, the everyday issues, are what will continue to be at the top of my agenda for the next four years. Ensuring every Alabama student receives a high-quality education will be my number one focus. We will build upon the foundation we have laid so that by the end of my term, Alabama will rank in the top 30 states in reading and math for the first time in our history but, in order to be first, we have to continue moving up. Here in Alabama, we support – in fact, we encourage – our parents to be involved in their children’s educational journeys, from birth and
Monitors show months-old Alabama landfill fire polluting air
An underground fire at an Alabama landfill has continued to pollute the air in eastern parts of the Birmingham region more than 50 days after a fire began underground, according to air quality monitors. The monitors surrounding the Moody landfill are detecting pollution, and neighbors are still complaining about smoke, local news outlets reported. The air quality monitor closest to the fire registered unhealthy conditions on Monday morning, AL.com reported, although the monitor later reported improving air quality. Another air quality monitor in Trussville showed pollution levels that are acceptable but may present a risk for some people with 24 hours or more of exposure, especially those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. In late December, air quality readings well over the threshold for hazardous, which is worse than the unhealthy level, were common near the fire. Jennifer Moore, who lives about 15 minutes from the landfill, told WBRC-TV she can smell the burning, especially when it rains. Her son, 12-year-old Colton Moore, uses a ventilator when he sleeps. Jennifer Moore said the filter is now dark and almost completely covered in black, causing health fears. “This is filling our lungs with toxins and poisons, and it’s awful,” Moore said. “Something needs to be done because I can just see in 15 years the infomercial that comes on and tells you ‘if you were affected by the Moody fires’ and all of that because it’s bad.” A class-action lawsuit was filed in December against the owners and operators of the Environmental Landfill, Inc., which owns the site. The lawsuit, filed in St. Clair County, cites inspection reports from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. They note the presence of unauthorized waste at the landfill and describe the site as a fire hazard. Representatives of the company have declined to comment to news outlets. St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon said he still gets smoke complaints, but the fire is actually shrinking. “It’s not burning more; it’s burning less,” he said. He said ADEM officials told him the smoke hugs the ground in the mornings and evenings, making air quality worse. St. Clair County has declared an emergency but is not authorized to spend money on private property, Batemon said. He said the fire could take another month or more to burn out. Environmental experts have warned against pouring water onto the fire, Batemon said, saying steam could carry more impurities into the air and runoff could pollute the Cahaba River. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Krystal unveils new smaller prototype in Center Point
Krystal opened its new smaller prototype in Center Point on Tuesday, January 10. The new 1,700-square-foot drive-through location is the first new Krystal to open in six years. It features a new, sleek design and a much smaller footprint with no dining room. An old-style traditional Krystal is 2,700 square feet. This new design has 20% less kitchen space and no space at all for dining in the restaurant. Instead, the new design features a double drive-thru and a walkup counter where customers can order and get their food thru a window. There is also a pickup area for online orders and third-party delivery. “This prototype signals a new day for Krystal,” said President of Krystal Restaurants Thomas Stager. “We strategically sought more cost-efficient opportunities to generate a strong sales-to-investment outcome, as well as a design to fast-track franchise development.” Stager has been attempting to turn around the business with new partners, innovative menu development, and an emphasis on new technologies. Krystal has launched an aggressive franchise program, signing a number of celebrities and multi-unit operators during 2022. Krystal has also recently launched its acclaimed “Side Chik” chicken sandwich, which has doubled its previous chicken sandwich sales Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told Alabama Today, “It is exciting for Alabama that Krystal chose Center Point to unveil its new prototype. The COVID-19 environment brought a lot of changes to the fast food industry, including the evolution of a reduced dining room footprint. More and more fast-food chains have higher percentages of sales from drive-throughs. Reduced square footage on what would otherwise be unused space is a way for businesses to reduce overhead and meet customer needs.” Krystal’s is the original home of the slider in the South. Krystal’s was founded in 1932. The brand has built a dedicated fan base throughout the Southeast U.S. Krystal Restaurants LLC is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The brand is the original quick-service restaurant chain in the South. Krystal is located in 10 states with nearly 300 restaurants and goals to reach 500 stores in the next five years. Krystal sells nearly 550,000 Krystal burgers each day and has sold more than 10 billion burgers since its founding during the Great Depression 84 years ago. The new prototype is located at 2408 Center Point Pkwy, Center Point, AL. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission moves forward with reviewing applications
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) met on Thursday to review applications from business owners looking to join the new Alabama cannabis industry. The deadline to submit an application to the Commission was December 30. While 607 groups and individuals requested application forms, only 94 turned in a completed application to the AMCC by the deadline. The AMCC met and announced that they are reviewing the applications for potential deficiencies. Chey Garrigan is the President and founder of the Alabama Cannabis Industry Association. Garrigan told Alabama Today that the state had expected more applications than it actually received. “The numbers speak for themselves. Alabama was underestimated by its residents and disregarded by industry leaders,” Garrigan said. Garrigan cited the difficulty of filling out the forms, the high capital requirements, the limitations on out-of-state ownership, the lack of smokable products, and questions about the process as to why most of the potential applicants ultimately opted not to apply. “607 is a low number of interest when compared to other states with a limited license program,” Garrigan said. The Alabama Legislature passed, and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation (SB46) legalizing medical cannabis in the 2021 Alabama Regular Commission. Only applicants who submitted a Request for Business Application by that October 17 deadline were eligible to turn in a completed Business Application Form by the December 30 deadline. The Legislature intended for the law to be the most restrictive in the country. “Of the 94 that made the deadline, we are working with 72 percent of those applicants,” Garrigan said. “We have experienced application writers who have won multiple licenses in multiple states. They all said Alabama is the most meticulously comprehensive application they have ever seen. I commend the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission and the staff.” The AMCC wrote the rules for the industry over the summer – releasing the final rules in August. The AMCC began allowing potential business applicants to download the application forms on September 1. Requests for requesting application forms closed on October 17. The 94 applicants will be allowed to submit amendments and corrections to their applications in the coming months. “Along with being the most regulated state in the country, this is the most complicated application anyone in the industry has seen,” Garrigan said. “We still will have time to file amended applications to make any necessary changes. Also, the Commission will review the applications and make requests for applicants to make corrections. The applicants will have time to submit a corrected application.” The number of licenses is strictly limited by the statute. The Commission may award up to twelve cultivator licenses, four processor licenses, four dispensary licenses, five integrated facility licenses, and an unspecified number of secure transport and state testing laboratory licenses. AMCC Director John McMillan told commissioners that those are the maximum number of licenses that they can award. The Commission does not have to award that many applications. The University of South Alabama has been contracted to review all of the applications for the Commission. Only persons who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; cancer-related pain or nausea; Crohn’s Disease; depression; epilepsy or conditions causing seizures; HIV/AIDS-related nausea or weight loss; panic disorder; Parkinson’s Disease; persistent nausea; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); sickle cell anemia; spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury; Tourette’s Syndrome; a terminal illness; or conditions causing chronic or intractable pain will be able to obtain a doctor’s recommendation for medical cannabis. Alabama law does not allow dispensing of raw plant material or smokable products. Medical cannabis products in Alabama will be limited to tablets, capsules, tinctures, gelatinous cubes, gels, oils or creams for topical use, suppositories, transdermal patches, nebulizers, or liquids or oils for use in an inhaler. Patients will have to obtain a state-issued Alabama medical cannabis card. Law enforcement has expressed concern that legalizing medical cannabis will increase the number of impaired persons driving on Alabama roadways. The first legal Alabama medical cannabis will become available later this year. The next meeting of the AMCC is on February 9 at 1:00 pm. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
