The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) has taken significant strides toward resolving disputes with license applicants, reaching a settlement that addresses key issues that led to lawsuits against the agency, as reported by WBRC. The settlement, pending ratification during the AMCC’s November 27 meeting, is expected to pave the way for the commission’s efforts to finalize medical cannabis licenses.
Under the terms of the settlement, the AMCC will nullify the scores assigned by the original application evaluators, a move prompted by the acknowledgment of “potential inconsistencies” in the scoring process, which led to a temporary halt in the application process back in June. The agreement also allows applicants in all categories, with the exception of the integrated licensing category, to resubmit videos and briefing materials.
The AMCC, currently in its third attempt to award industry licenses, expressed its intent to complete the licensing process by December 12. Chairman Rex Vaughn had previously suggested that commissioners might choose to disregard the previous scoring, but the settlement now clarifies that the scores from the University of Alabama will not be considered at all.
This development follows the commission’s initial issuance of licenses in June, a move that was later retracted in the face of legal challenges. Lawsuits related to scoring discrepancies, claims of violations of the state’s open meetings law, and opposition to voiding previously awarded licenses contributed to the need for a comprehensive resolution.
The settlement signifies a pivotal step forward in the AMCC’s efforts to navigate legal challenges and establish a framework for Alabama’s medical cannabis program. As the commission prepares to ratify the agreement during its upcoming meeting, the resolution offers a path to clarity and progress in the state’s evolving cannabis landscape.
