Alabama Medical Cannabis Association launches, names exec director

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Association officially launched this week to promote the Yellowhammer State’s emerging medicinal industry.

According to the association, its efforts will be centered around promoting safe, affordable, and accessible medical cannabis for Alabama patients. This is done, the association said, by supporting the growth of a responsible and safely regulated business environment for its members.

In May 2021, Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill into law legalizing the permitted medicinal use of cannabis in the state. The act established the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee and manage a comprehensive regulatory system related to medical marijuana.

Patrick Lindsey, a Butler County native and Montgomery resident, will serve as the Alabama Medical Cannabis Association’s first executive director.

Lindsey, a 17-year governmental affairs professional, has a successful track record of political campaign management and lobbying. Lindsey holds an extensive network base of elected officials throughout state government, according to the association.

The stated goal of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Association is to protect and promote a rational and compassionate approach to Alabama’s emerging medical cannabis regulatory framework. The association looks to serve as a responsible resource for policy makers and support local business opportunities for Alabama’s medical cannabis industry.

Promoting safe and regulated access to medical cannabis, according to Lindsey, will serve to combat illicit drug use.

“I am excited to announce the official launch of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Association,” said Lindsey in a release. “It is a true honor to serve as the first executive director of this novel association, which is launching at the perfect time to advance the wellbeing and future of Alabamians. With illicit and deadly fentanyl lacing street drugs and the opioid epidemic ravaging communities across our state, there has never been more of a need for safe, controlled, medically prescribed cannabis in Alabama.”

Lindsey said the association will work to ensure a “common-sense” approach is taken to medicinal cannabis.

“This association will work diligently every single day to ensure Alabama’s medical cannabis system is a commonsense operation that successfully saves lives, eases suffering, promotes law and order, and supports Alabama agriculture and small businesses,” he said. “There is nothing more important than the health and safety of Alabama families, and this association will be their champion.”

To inquire about membership opportunities, Lindsey can be reached at [email protected].

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL