The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission started accepting applications for medical cannabis business licenses Sept. 1.

Regulators are taking applications from potential cultivators, transporters, processors and dispensaries until Dec. 30, according to 1819 News, and will issue the licenses on July 10, 2023.

The commission will ultimately license 12 cultivators, four dispensaries (which can each open three storefronts) and five vertically integrated facilities that can grow, process, transport and sell medical cannabis, the news outlet reported.

Regulators will first eliminate applications based on a background check, financial requirements, moral character and business background, according to 1819 News.

The commission will approve dispensary licensees before the retailers can pursue local licenses, the news outlet reported, and municipalities must pass their own ordinances to allow and regulate dispensaries within their jurisdictions. Tuscaloosa and Cullman are among the cities that have started drafting their medical cannabis regulations and application processes, according to 1819 News.

Alabama’s medical cannabis sales are expected to launch sometime next year, the news outlet reported.