Alabama’s First Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens in Montgomery

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Callie's Apothecary opened its doors this week as Alabama’s first licensed medical cannabis dispensary, delivering on a long-delayed promise of legal access for patients with qualifying medical conditions.

The dispensary, located at 5232 Atlanta Highway in Montgomery, began serving registered patients and their designated caregivers on Tuesday. Only individuals holding a valid Alabama medical cannabis card issued by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission may enter and make purchases. Recreational sales are not permitted.

Amanda Taylor of Cullman became the first customer, driving more than two hours to Montgomery to complete the state’s inaugural legal medical cannabis transaction. “This is about a better quality of life,” Taylor told reporters after her purchase.

The opening marks the culmination of years of work by the Alabama Legislature and the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. In 2021, lawmakers passed the Darren Wesley “Ato” Hall Compassion Act, establishing a tightly regulated medical cannabis program. The bill, signed by Gov. Kay Ivey, created the framework for cultivation, processing and dispensing while placing oversight with the AMCC.

After multiple delays caused by licensing disputes, lawsuits and regulatory adjustments, the commission approved several dispensary operators late last year. Callie's Apothecary, operated by CCS of Alabama LLC, received one of the first licenses and is the first to open to the public.

State officials expect up to 12 dispensaries across Alabama in the coming months as additional locations in cities such as Talladega and Bessemer come online.

Patients must first obtain certification from a physician approved by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners for specific qualifying conditions, including cancer-related symptoms, epilepsy, PTSD, chronic or intractable pain, Crohn’s disease and others. They then apply for a medical cannabis card through the AMCC.

Dispensary owner Vince Schilleci said the focus remains on professional, compassionate service. “Our goal is to get any questions answered, but get our patients in and out of here quickly, efficiently… and most importantly, be compassionate,” Schilleci said.

Callie's Apothecary is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Products are expected to include tinctures, edibles, topicals and other forms compliant with state testing and labeling requirements.

The launch comes as patient advocates celebrate expanded treatment options while state regulators stress strict controls against diversion. AMCC officials say the program will continue to expand under legislative guidelines, with additional dispensaries and supply from licensed cultivators expected to increase availability in the weeks ahead.

For now, Montgomery’s Callie's Apothecary stands as the lone legal outlet in Alabama for medical cannabis patients seeking relief under the state’s carefully constructed program.