Alabama Marijuana Compliance
As of 2021, Alabama has legalized marijuana for medical purposes for adult residents that meet certain requirements. However, recreational use of marijuana remains illegal under Alabama state law.
What is your company's responsibility for Alabama marijuana compliance? Employers in Alabama face no restrictions in testing applicants and employees for marijuana use and taking action to maintain a drug-free workplace. This includes those who use it legally for certain medical conditions.
Register for a drug test online by clicking the "Register Now" button below. You can also call (888) 378-2499 with any questions about our drug testing services.
This Information Is Not Intended for Legal Purposes
The information provided on this page is intended for your own knowledge, and should not be used for legal matters. Since marijuana testing regulations can vary, we advise you to seek the guidance of expert legal counsel when creating your company's substance abuse screening program.
Alabama Marijuana Compliance
Alabama Marijuana Laws
Overall Status: Partially Legal
Alabama has legalized medical marijuana for residents ages 21 and above with certain medical conditions. However, recreational marijuana remains illegal under state law.
Medical Marijuana: Legal
In Alabama, medical marijuana is legal for residents ages 21 and older. To legally use marijuana for medical purposes, residents must have certain medical conditions and obtain a doctor's order. The doctor must hold an Alabama license and have passed an exam on medical marijuana.
Approved medical conditions in Alabama include Sickle Cell, seizure disorders, terminal illnesses, PTSD, Crohn's disease, Tourette's syndrome, AIDS-related nausea, depression, autism, panic disorder, and Parkinson's disease.
Decriminalized: No
Alabama has not decriminalized marijuana, and recreational use remains illegal under state law. Therefore, there is no special Alabama marijuana compliance law that employers must comply with, and they are free to test workers for marijuana use.
Recreational Marijuana: Illegal
There are no recreational marijuana laws in the state of Alabama. Adult-use marijuana is fully illegal, and Alabama views marijuana use as a threat to public safety. Alabama holds strict laws on marijuana use for individuals that use the drug without holding a medical marijuana license.
Last updated 1/12/2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana legal in Alabama?
Marijuana is not legal for recreational use in Alabama. However, Alabama residents that meet certain requirements may obtain a medical marijuana card and use marijuana for medicinal purposes only. In either case, employers may still test their workers for marijuana use.
Are there any unique laws about marijuana in Alabama?
Under current Alabama marijuana laws, marijuana is legal in Alabama for certain medical conditions. However, other medical conditions are not approved for marijuana use. Patients with endometriosis, chronic lower back pain, and eating disorders do not qualify for medical marijuana use in Alabama.
Residents without a license to use medicinal marijuana could face up to a Class B felony for possessing, distributing, manufacturing, or using marijuana, even if they received the marijuana from a registered dispensary, patient, or caregiver.
How can marijuana be legal in the state and illegal federally?
Marijuana state vs. federal laws can at times be confusing. It is possible for marijuana to become legal under state law, even though it remains illegal under federal law.
Generally, federal agencies will not charge for certain marijuana-related crimes, unless related to driving under the influence or organized crime. However, marijuana remains illegal for recreational use under Alabama state law.
What is Alabama's history with marijuana?
Alabama legalized medical marijuana on May 17, 2021, after Governor Kay Ivey signed the legislation legalizing its use for certain medical conditions. As of 2021, recreational use of marijuana remains illegal in Alabama.
What is the punishment for possession in Alabama?
The possession of marijuana for personal use in Alabama is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine. Possessing marijuana for something other than personal use in Alabama is a Class C felony.
In Alabama, a Class C felony results in 366 days to 10 years in jail. Possessing marijuana for personal use after a previous conviction is a Class D felony. These possession charges could result in one to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Drug Panels That Exclude Marijuana
Urine Drug Panels That Exclude Marijuana Testing
Some of the popular drug panels that remove marijuana testing are listed below:
Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug tests that exclude marijuana, where you'll find a complete list of drug tests that do not include THC testing under the "Exclude Marijuana" section.
Hair Drug Panels That Exclude Marijuana Testing
Two of our popular hair tests allow for the option to exclude marijuana from the panel of substances being tested. These include:
For a complete list of our hair drug tests, take a look at our comprehensive list of hair tests.
Drug Panels That Include Marijuana
Urine Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing
Many of our testing options include marijuana testing. Below are some of the most popular urine drug tests including marijuana:
Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug tests that include marijuana.
Hair Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing
Our variety of hair drug tests include many options for marijuana testing. Some of the most commonly ordered hair drug tests are:
A comprehensive list of the hair drug tests that we offer can be found here.