HB488 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patricia Todd

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Marijuana, medical use of allowed, possession of one ounce or less a civil offense, Secs.13A-12-213, 13A-12-214 am'd.

Summary

HB488 would create a medical marijuana exemption in Alabama, establish a state program for patient IDs, and treat possession of one ounce or less as a civil offense for qualified patients.

What This Bill Does

It allows certain patients with a physician-diagnosed serious medical condition to possess and use marijuana with a valid medical marijuana identification card. It creates a Department of Public Health–run program and county health departments to issue ID cards, including application process, fees, and a 24-hour verification system for law enforcement. It redefines penalties for small possession to civil penalties (and forfeiture) for adults and adds mandatory drug-awareness programs for minors, while providing protections for patients and physicians and employment-related safeguards.

Who It Affects

• Qualifying patients with a serious medical condition who obtain and use a medical marijuana identification card to possess, use, or transport marijuana for medical purposes.
• Law enforcement, employers, physicians, and minors/parents, who are affected by the new ID card program, enforcement rules, civil penalties and protections, and required drug-awareness programs.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama Marijuana Protection Act, defining terms and creating a medical exemption for qualified patients under physician direction.
• Creates a medical marijuana identification card program administered by county health departments, with application requirements, fees ($100-$200), and a 24-hour verification system for enforcement.
• Amends Sections 13A-12-213 and 13A-12-214 to exempt possession and use of marijuana for medical purposes when backed by a valid ID card; clarifies penalties for possession without a valid card.
• Makes possession of one ounce or less of marijuana a civil offense with a $100 penalty for adults (and forfeiture of the marijuana); minors face drug-awareness requirements and possible penalties if they do not complete the program.
• Imposes protections for patients and physicians (e.g., cannot be targeted solely for discussing marijuana; physicians cannot be punished for recommending medical marijuana); includes employment protections and safety-sensitive position carve-outs.
• Requires program integrity measures, including verification of patient information, physician licensure checks, and notification to parents/guardians for minors; sets timelines for card issuance and renewal.

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