Thursday marked the end of a five-year wait for Alabama: its first licensed medical cannabis dispensary began trading, a milestone that arrived alongside intensifying opposition to the federal rescheduling order. Republican attorneys general in Indiana and Nebraska filed suit to block the April Schedule III reclassification; Congressional Republicans signalled concern over its tax implications; Louisiana’s governor stiffened penalties; and Vermont expanded adult-use access. The day’s events illustrated just how contested the policy terrain remains.
Alabama’s medical cannabis programme became operational on Thursday, when patient advocate Amanda Taylor became the first purchaser at Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery, buying a water-soluble tincture and a peach-flavoured gel cube after more than a decade of campaigning. Taylor, who has multiple sclerosis, said she hoped to reduce her reliance on pharmaceutical drugs. Marijuana Moment reports the programme covers approximately 15 qualifying conditions, including cancer, PTSD, and chronic pain, but prohibits smokable products under state law. Alabama becomes the fortieth US state where medical cannabis is legally accessible, with three further dispensary companies expected to open additional sites by summer 2026.
The attorneys general of Indiana and Nebraska filed a petition with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Thursday, challenging the Trump administration’s April 23 order reclassifying state-licensed medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. NORML reports the complaint argues the order is “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and not in accordance with law.” The DC Circuit has consolidated the case with an earlier challenge from prohibitionist group SAM Inc. and the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association. Louisiana’s attorney general, who initially joined the petition, has since withdrawn. The DEA’s broader administrative hearing on rescheduling all forms of cannabis begins 29 June; track the case on the Cannabis Rescheduling Tracker.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed HB 568 on Thursday, making it a felony offence to consume cannabis within 2,000 feet of any school or university, NORML reports. Violators face up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine, with limited access to probation or parole; the law takes effect 1 August 2026. The measure reverses a direction set by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards in 2021, when he removed jail time for low-level possession. Governor Landry cited frustration at “being inundated with the smell of cannabis” at college sporting events, a rationale that drew criticism from advocates pointing to polling showing majority support for adult-use legalisation in the state.
Vermont’s General Assembly gave final approval to legislation that will double the daily adult-use cannabis purchase limit from one ounce to two, reduce fees for outdoor cultivators, and create a pilot scheme allowing licensed retailers to sponsor public cannabis events at which customers can buy products from local growers, Vermont Public reports. The bill heads to Governor Phil Scott for signature, with most provisions scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2026. The Vermont Growers Association’s request for direct-to-consumer sales and home delivery was not included, a source of ongoing frustration for smaller cultivators facing constrained shelf space at the state’s 110 licensed retailers.
Republican members of Congress have written to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning they are “troubled” that cannabis businesses stand to receive federal tax relief as a consequence of the Trump administration’s partial rescheduling of medical cannabis, Marijuana Moment reports. The letter cited concerns about potential retroactive benefits and unclear eligibility standards. The 280E provision of the Internal Revenue Code has historically barred Schedule I cannabis operators from deducting ordinary business expenses; Schedule III reclassification would open those deductions to state-licensed companies. The Treasury has not yet issued formal guidance, leaving operators and investors in uncertainty. Monitor the impact on listed operators via the Cannabis Stocks Tracker.
Watch this weekend for further filings in the DC Circuit rescheduling case and for signals on whether the Treasury Department will issue 280E guidance ahead of the 29 June administrative hearing. Governor Scott’s decision on Vermont’s cannabis purchase-limit bill is also expected in the coming days. Stay up to date with all the latest on the Cannabis News Hub.
The post Cannabis News Today — Friday 5 June 2026: Alabama opens its medical market as rescheduling opponents press their case appeared first on Business of Cannabis.
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Alabama’s First Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens After Five Years of Delay
Alabama’s medical cannabis programme became operational on Thursday, when patient advocate Amanda Taylor became the first purchaser at Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery, buying a water-soluble tincture and a peach-flavoured gel cube after more than a decade of campaigning. Taylor, who has multiple sclerosis, said she hoped to reduce her reliance on pharmaceutical drugs. Marijuana Moment reports the programme covers approximately 15 qualifying conditions, including cancer, PTSD, and chronic pain, but prohibits smokable products under state law. Alabama becomes the fortieth US state where medical cannabis is legally accessible, with three further dispensary companies expected to open additional sites by summer 2026.
Indiana and Nebraska Sue Federal Government to Halt Medical Cannabis Rescheduling
The attorneys general of Indiana and Nebraska filed a petition with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Thursday, challenging the Trump administration’s April 23 order reclassifying state-licensed medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. NORML reports the complaint argues the order is “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and not in accordance with law.” The DC Circuit has consolidated the case with an earlier challenge from prohibitionist group SAM Inc. and the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association. Louisiana’s attorney general, who initially joined the petition, has since withdrawn. The DEA’s broader administrative hearing on rescheduling all forms of cannabis begins 29 June; track the case on the Cannabis Rescheduling Tracker.
Louisiana Governor Signs Law Stiffening Cannabis Penalties Near Schools
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed HB 568 on Thursday, making it a felony offence to consume cannabis within 2,000 feet of any school or university, NORML reports. Violators face up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine, with limited access to probation or parole; the law takes effect 1 August 2026. The measure reverses a direction set by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards in 2021, when he removed jail time for low-level possession. Governor Landry cited frustration at “being inundated with the smell of cannabis” at college sporting events, a rationale that drew criticism from advocates pointing to polling showing majority support for adult-use legalisation in the state.
Vermont Legislature Approves Expanded Adult-Use Cannabis Purchase Limits
Vermont’s General Assembly gave final approval to legislation that will double the daily adult-use cannabis purchase limit from one ounce to two, reduce fees for outdoor cultivators, and create a pilot scheme allowing licensed retailers to sponsor public cannabis events at which customers can buy products from local growers, Vermont Public reports. The bill heads to Governor Phil Scott for signature, with most provisions scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2026. The Vermont Growers Association’s request for direct-to-consumer sales and home delivery was not included, a source of ongoing frustration for smaller cultivators facing constrained shelf space at the state’s 110 licensed retailers.
Republican Lawmakers Push Back on 280E Tax Relief From Cannabis Rescheduling
Republican members of Congress have written to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning they are “troubled” that cannabis businesses stand to receive federal tax relief as a consequence of the Trump administration’s partial rescheduling of medical cannabis, Marijuana Moment reports. The letter cited concerns about potential retroactive benefits and unclear eligibility standards. The 280E provision of the Internal Revenue Code has historically barred Schedule I cannabis operators from deducting ordinary business expenses; Schedule III reclassification would open those deductions to state-licensed companies. The Treasury has not yet issued formal guidance, leaving operators and investors in uncertainty. Monitor the impact on listed operators via the Cannabis Stocks Tracker.
Watch this weekend for further filings in the DC Circuit rescheduling case and for signals on whether the Treasury Department will issue 280E guidance ahead of the 29 June administrative hearing. Governor Scott’s decision on Vermont’s cannabis purchase-limit bill is also expected in the coming days. Stay up to date with all the latest on the Cannabis News Hub.
The post Cannabis News Today — Friday 5 June 2026: Alabama opens its medical market as rescheduling opponents press their case appeared first on Business of Cannabis.
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