Cannabis law in Alabama (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Possessing marijuana for personal use is a Class A misdemeanor under current Alabama law. A medical cannabis programme exists for resident patients with a card; dispensaries have been announced to open from 4 June 2026.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Criminal offence [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | No lawful amount for adult personal use; possession for personal use only is a Class A misdemeanor. [1] |
| Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult | Legal for medical use [2] |
| VisitorsPersonal use by an adult | Some rules for residents only [2] |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | No one may drive while under the influence of a controlled substance to a degree that makes them incapable of safely driving. There is no fixed THC limit. [3] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [4] |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [5] |
Notes
- Section 13A-12-214 (second degree) covers possession for personal use only; possession for other than personal use, or after a previous conviction, is first degree under 13A-12-213 and is a felony. Bills to reduce the penalty were introduced in 2026 (SB285); no change was confirmed.
- Only registered patients and caregivers with a valid medical cannabis card may enter a dispensary. The statute excludes raw plant material and products administered by smoking, combustion or vaping, and certain infused foods such as candies.
- Medical cannabis cards are available only to residents of Alabama, aged 19 or over (younger residents need a registered caregiver). No adult-use rules exist.
- Growing cannabis counts as unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, a Class B felony.
- Selling cannabis is a Class B felony unless authorised; only the licensed medical programme may dispense.
Sources
- Alabama Legislature (ALISON): Code of Alabama § 13A-12-214 Unlawful possession of marihuana in the second degree (Internet Archive snapshot of 16 August 2021) (consulted 16 October 2026) · all sources
- Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission: Patients, Caregivers, & Physicians (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Alabama Legislature (ALISON): Code of Alabama § 32-5A-191 Driving while under influence of alcohol, controlled substances, etc. (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Alabama Legislature (ALISON): Code of Alabama § 13A-12-217 Unlawful manufacture of controlled substance in the second degree (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Alabama Legislature (ALISON): Code of Alabama § 13A-12-211 Unlawful distribution of controlled substances (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Possession for personal use | Criminal offence (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Growing at home | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
| Sale to consumers | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
Alabama and neighbouring states
| State | Possession for personal use | Growing at home | Sale to consumers | Use or carrying in public places | Medical cannabis | Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Criminal offence (Class A misdemeanor) | No (felony) | No adult sales; medical dispensaries only | — | Medical programme; dispensaries opening 2026 | Medical card residents only |
| Florida | Criminal offence (misdemeanour up to 20 g) | Prohibited, including for patients | No adult sales; medical centres only | — | Yes, resident patients with a physician order | — |
| Georgia | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | No adult sales; medical dispensaries only | — | Low-THC oil only, up to 12,000 mg THC | — |
| Mississippi | Civil offence up to 30 g | Not allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | No smoking or vaping in public or in vehicles | Medical programme (registered patients) | Visitor cardholders: lower purchase limits |
More rules in Alabama
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (urban districts) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Stage II restricted licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (Stage I learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (Class C consumer fireworks) · Minimum age to buy: 16 (younger with an adult)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Firearms only; no knife carry offence read · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage law · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (offence needs erratic driving) · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes (secondary enforcement)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.