Alabama pharmacy officials warned about kratom risks as state authorities seized thousands of doses during a statewide enforcement effort earlier this week.
Researchers tied the losses to reduced workforce participation and earnings, warning restrictive policies weighed most heavily on Black and Latina women.
Commissioners said 102 patients have visited Alabama's first dispensary in the week since its launch, and opened applications for more medical cannabis testing sites.
As litigation returned to Montgomery County, advocates argued hospital-style rules worsened Alabama’s maternity care deserts and limited options for low-risk pregnancies.