This Cannabis Company Claims Regulators Destroyed Evidence: 'We Need Transparency'

Cannabis company Alabama Always LLC has been in a legal spat with the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC). Now the company is accusing the commission of improperly deleting meeting recordings, which it considers key evidence for the case.

What Happened: According to AL.com, Alabama Always, which invested $5 million in a Montgomery-based marijuana cultivation and processing facility, says the recordings could shed light on "legal problems and inconsistencies with [the state's] licensing process."

Alabama Always is among seven other companies that applied for licenses.

See Also: Alabama's Cannabis Industry Faces Uncertainty As Controversy And Lawsuits Rock Its Licensing Program

The AMCC insists that it will proceed with awarding licenses, and that meeting minutes were not deleted since the lawsuit began. The Open Records Act doesn't necessitate their preservation, the regulators said.

Why It Matters: "We need complete openness and transparency in this process," said Ben McNeil, an investor and board member of Alabama Always.

The company's licensing bid was among those paused amid concerns of inconsistencies in the selection process.

See Also: Study Shows Medical Marijuana Use On Continued Rise Nationwide, Used For Various Medicinal Purposes

Insisting on the importance of facility inspections, company attorney Will Somerville stated, "They just need to review the actual applicants, the sites, and make a decision based on the criteria."

Despite the current halt, the company is ready to commence operations within 60 days of receiving a license, as they remain hopeful about becoming a part of Alabama's new medical cannabis industry.

Meanwhile, in Illinois, the 17th edition of the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is returning to Chicago on Sept 27-28. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to immerse yourself in the ever-changing dynamics of cannabis regulations at both state and federal levels. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.

Read Next: Cannabis Regulations Updates In OK, MA, AL & PA, From Edibles Safety And Marijuana Bans To Ending Federal Prohibition

Image Credits: Bukhta Yurii And ChonnieArtwork On Shutterstock Edited By Benzinga