AL HB61

Expands the affirmative defense for marijuana possession in the second degree to include defendants with any diagnosed debilitating medical condition (cachexia, severe pain, nausea, seizures, muscle spasms, or conditions resistant to conventional medicine) rather than limiting it to epilepsy, provided the CBD was prescribed by any physician with whom the defendant has a bona fide physician-patient relationship.

Eliminates the requirement that cannabidiol (CBD) prescriptions must come exclusively from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Neurology, allowing any licensed physician to prescribe CBD.

Extends the affirmative defense to parents or legal guardians possessing CBD for minors prescribed the substance for therapeutic or palliative relief from debilitating medical conditions.

Removes the July 1, 2019 repeal date of the affirmative defense, making it permanent rather than temporary.

Defines CBD as a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid with a THC level of no more than 3 percent and prohibits state agencies from initiating child removal proceedings based solely on CBD possession or use authorized under this section.