HB315 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patricia Todd

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Marijuana, medical use exception for certain persons, Secs.13A-12-213, 13A-12-214 am'd.

Summary

HB315 would create a medical exemption allowing certain patients with serious medical conditions to use and possess marijuana under a physician-directed program, with a state-issued medical marijuana ID card.

What This Bill Does

It would exempt from possession and use crimes the personal use and possession of marijuana by qualifying patients who have a serious medical condition and hold a valid medical marijuana identification card, as determined by a full medical evaluation. It would amend sections 13A-12-213 and 13A-12-214 to reflect the medical exemption. It would create the Medical Marijuana Identification Card program run by county health departments, including application forms, fees (between $100 and $200), eligibility checks, physician verification, a 24-hour verification system for law enforcement, and a two-year card validity. It would include employment, family, and driving protections, prohibit insurance reimbursement obligation, and protect physicians who discuss or recommend medical marijuana.

Who It Affects

• Qualified patients with serious medical conditions who obtain a medical marijuana identification card (including minors with parental/guardian involvement) would be allowed to use and possess marijuana for medical purposes and be protected from criminal charges.
• State and local agencies (county health departments, law enforcement), medical professionals, employers, and families would administer, verify, enforce, and navigate the new program, protections, and limits.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama Medical Exemption Act, creating a medical exemption for personal use and possession of marijuana for certain patients under physician direction.
• Defines key terms: DEPARTMENT (Public Health), FULL MEDICAL EVALUATION, IDENTIFICATION CARD, QUALIFIED PATIENT, and SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITION (including listed diseases and substantial life-impairing conditions).
• Creates a Medical Marijuana Identification Card program: application process, required physician documentation, residency proof, age considerations, and a two-year card with a unique serial number and issuing authority.
• Sets application fees (not less than $100 and not more than $200), renewal procedures, confidentiality protections, and a 24-hour verification system for law enforcement.
• Amends 13A-12-213 and 13A-12-214 to exempt medical users with a valid ID card from possession/use crimes, with specific exceptions for false information, fraud, or other violations of the act.
• Physician protections: physicians may discuss or recommend medical marijuana without automatic investigations or disciplinary action.
• Employment protections: prohibits certain employment discrimination against qualified patients for possessing a valid ID card or positive drug tests, with safety-sensitive position carve-outs.
• Child welfare protections: prohibits removal of a child solely because a parent or child is a qualified patient or has a positive drug test if properly registered.
• Driving and safety: clarifies that use is not allowed to operate a vehicle under the influence; possession alone does not imply DUI solely due to metabolites.
• Insurance: does not require reimbursement from insurers for medical marijuana use; providers are not compelled to cover it.
• Program administration: counties must verify information, coordinate with appropriate medical boards, and issue cards within set timeframes.
• Severability and effective date: provisions are severable and the act becomes law after the governor’s approval and a specified delay.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Marijuana