Alabama Latest State to Adopt Medical Marijuana Law
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Normally conservative Alabama has become the latest state in the union to approve the use of medical marijuana in at least some circumstances.
Gov. Kay Ivey signed the legislation Monday, a week after the state House of Representatives passed the measure by a 68-34 vote.
The state Senate approved the bill in February by a vote of 21-8.
As she signed the bill, Ivey said the use of medical marijuana “is … a sensitive and emotional issue and something that is continually being studied.
“On the state level, we have had a study group that has looked closely at this issue, and I am interested in the potential good medical cannabis can have for those with chronic illnesses or what it can do to improve the quality of life of those in their final days,” Ivey said.
The legislation authorizes use of medical marijuana with one of 16 qualifying medical conditions with the recommendation of a doctor.
These conditions inc;ude cancer-related nausea or vomiting, or chronic pain; Crohn’s disease; depression; epilepsy, HIV/AIDS-related nausea or weight loss; panic disorder; Parkinson’s disease; persistent nausea; post-traumatic stress disorder; sickle cell anemia; spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis; spinal cord injury and Tourette’s syndrome.
The law allows the marijuana in forms such as pills, skin patches and creams but not in smoking or vaping products.