SB174 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Paul Sanford
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Marijuana, Carly's law, unlawful possession of, affirmative defense for possession for use to treat a person with an epileptic condition under certain conditions, research and development study by and prescription provided by University of Alabama-Birmingham, Department of Neurology
Summary: Carly's Law allows CBD prescribed by UAB for debilitating epilepsy to be used without criminal penalties for possession, makes UAB the exclusive prescriber, and authorizes a UAB study with a five-year sunset.
What This Bill Does
It provides an affirmative and complete defense to unlawful possession of marijuana for individuals with a debilitating epileptic condition who use CBD under an authorization from the UAB Department. It also provides the same defense for a parent or caretaker who possesses CBD on behalf of a prescribed person for that person's use only. The act designates the UAB Department of Neurology as the exclusive source of CBD prescriptions and authorizes a UAB research and development study on CBD, while shielding UAB staff from prosecution related to these activities. It sets a THC limit for CBD, prohibits other forms of cannabis under this act, includes child-protection protections, and sunsets after five years with an effective date a few months after passage.

Who It Affects
Individuals diagnosed with debilitating epileptic conditions who would use CBD under an authorized UAB prescription (they gain an affirmative defense to possession charges).
Parents or caretakers of those individuals who may possess CBD on behalf of the prescribed person (their possession is allowed when for the prescribed person's use only).
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Department of Neurology and affiliated medical staff (they become the exclusive prescribers and are protected from prosecution for CBD-related activities).
Law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts (they would apply the affirmative defenses and limit actions to CBD prescribed by the UAB Department).

Key Provisions
Creates an affirmative and complete defense to unlawful possession of marijuana for a defendant with a debilitating epileptic condition who possesses or uses CBD under a prescription authorized by the UAB Department.
Allows a parent or caretaker to possess CBD on behalf of a prescribed person for that person's use only, with the same affirmative defense as the patient.
Requires CBD prescriptions to be issued exclusively by the UAB Department of Neurology; UAB health care practitioners determine use or amount of CBD; UAB staff are not subject to prosecution for CBD-related activities arising from treatment.
Directs the UAB Department to establish a research and development study to determine medical uses and benefits of CBD for individuals with debilitating epileptic conditions; prohibits other cannabis forms under this act.
Includes protections against removing a child from the home solely due to CBD possession or use; sets THC content limit (no more than 3%); establishes a five-year sunset and defines effective date.

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