Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission Suspends License Issuance Amid Allegations of Flawed Scoring
FOLEY, Alabama – In a surprising turn of events, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) has decided to halt the issuance of medical cannabis business licenses due to allegations of a flawed scoring system. This decision, made just four days after announcing the winning applicants, comes in response to complaints and lawsuits filed by several companies.
The medical marijuana movement in Alabama seemed to be gaining momentum, but before any licenses could be awarded, the AMCC ordered a hold until an independent review of the scoring data used for the selections is completed. The chairman of the commission, Dr. Steven Stokes, revealed that inconsistencies in the scoring process had been uncovered during a June 16 meeting.
Ray French, CEO of Oscity Labs, expressed frustration over the flaws in the scoring system. Oscity Labs’ sister company, Specialty Medical Products of Alabama (SMPA), is among the 90 applicants vying for licenses in various categories such as farming, manufacturing, and transport. SMPA was specifically established to bring medical cannabis products to patients in Alabama.
Despite being already certified under the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standard set by the Food and Drug Administration, SMPA ranked 33rd out of 38 companies that applied for an Integrated Facility License. What’s more concerning is that the scores were assigned without any visits to the facilities.
French highlighted the lack of transparency in the scoring process, as the names and associations of the scorers remain undisclosed, and applicants are not allowed to communicate with any Cannabis Commission members. Concerned about the transparency issue, Oscity Labs and SMPA are doing their best to be transparent about their business practices, hoping for a reassessment of their scores.
SMPA already boasts a 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Foley and a 350-acre cannabis farm in Escambia County, where harvesting has already begun. With additional features like a state-of-the-art clean room, an armored vehicle for transportation, and multiple retail locations across the state, SMPA is fully prepared to provide medical cannabis products to patients.
Chris Whaley, CEO of SMPA, expressed surprise at the low score they received for facility readiness, given that their facilities are considered among the best in the country. He hopes that the upcoming review on August 10th will rectify any tabulation errors and provide a fair assessment of their application.
Another concern raised by stakeholders is that some of the companies selected for licenses are from out-of-state or do not currently have operational facilities. However, the independent review will focus solely on re-tabulating the scoring data, not re-evaluating the facilities themselves.
When Fox 10 News reached out to the AMCC for comment, a spokesperson stated that they could not provide any information due to pending litigation. However, if the court lifts the stay, the Commission plans to re-award licenses during its meeting on August 10th.
The temporary suspension of license issuance has created uncertainty in Alabama’s medical cannabis industry. While it is essential to address the alleged flaws in the scoring system and ensure a fair process for all applicants, the delay raises questions about the future of medical marijuana availability and access in the state.
As the independent review takes place, the hopes of companies like Oscity Labs and SMPA rest on the possibility of their scores being reconsidered. It remains to be seen how the AMCC will address the concerns raised by these companies and others involved in Alabama’s medical cannabis program.
In the midst of these developments, it becomes evident that transparency, accuracy, and fairness are crucial in establishing a successful and legitimate medical cannabis industry. The outcome of the review and the subsequent actions taken by the AMCC will shape the future of medical marijuana in Alabama and determine whether patients can access the treatment they need.
