HB488 Summary

• Establishes a medical marijuana exemption for qualified patients diagnosed with serious medical conditions by a physician and issued a valid medical marijuana identification card by county health departments.

• Creates a state identification card program administered by county health departments with application fees between $100-$200, requiring physician documentation and full medical evaluation.

• Reclassifies possession of one ounce or less of marijuana from a criminal offense to a civil penalty of $100 for adults 18 and older, with fines doubling if unpaid after 90 days.

• Prohibits employers from discriminating against qualified patients based on valid identification cards or positive marijuana tests when use occurs outside the workplace, except for safety-sensitive positions like law enforcement.

• Amends Sections 13A-12-213 and 13A-12-214 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to exempt from prosecution persons possessing valid medical marijuana identification cards.