May 7, 2021 | Regular Session
Medical Marijuana Bill Heads To Governor
The Alabama House of Representatives approved legislation Thursday legalizing marijuana for the treatment of 16 conditions and establishing regulations for production, manufacturing and dispensing of medical cannabis. The Senate concurred with House changes, sending the measure to Gov. Kay Ivey.

SB 46 by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, includes language supported by the Alabama Farmers Federation requiring growers to be Alabama farmers with 15 years of agricultural experience. The bill, which passed the House by a 68-34 vote, contains extensive rules related to the licensing of cultivators, manufacturers and those prescribing the substance. If signed by the governor, medical marijuana would be legalized for pills, skin patches and creams but not in smoking or vaping products.

For in-depth reporting on SB 46 and other legislative news, follow ALDailyNews.com.
Gambling Legislation Stalls In Alabama House
A standoff between lawmakers supporting a simple lottery and others advocating for comprehensive gambling, including up to nine casinos, derailed gaming legislation late Thursday. 

The House of Representatives worked most of the day and night to negotiate a compromise with enough votes for passage. The proposal under consideration would have authorized a state lottery and casino gambling at four existing racetracks, plus additional locations in the Wiregrass and northeast Alabama. The measure also would allow the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI) to expand gaming at three existing locations, but would encourage the governor to negotiate a compact with PBCI.

Democrats were pushing for the measure to include Medicaid expansion and legalized gambling at bingo facilities in Greene and Lowndes counties. Some Republicans willing to support a referendum on a lottery balked at widespread casino gambling. Ultimately, a lottery-only bill was offered with less than an hour left in the legislative day, drawing criticism from Democratic lawmakers.

With only one day left in the 2021 Regular Session, it is unlikely lottery or gaming legislation will pass. Alabama Farmers Federation opposes legalized gambling. 
The Alabama Legislature is in recess until Monday, May 17, when it will convene for the final legislative day of the 2021 Regular Session.
Capitol Connection | Alabama Farmers Federation | (334) 288-3900 | Alfafarmers.org

Questions?
 Matthew Durdin - Director, External Affairs Department
 Preston Roberts - Director, Agricultural Legislation
Casey Rogers, Director, State Legislative Programs
John Allen Nichols, Agriculture Counsel
Beth Chapman, Beth Chapman and Associates, LLC