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In what insiders are calling a necessary and wise development, Mark D. Wilkerson has joined the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission’s legal team as lead outside counsel.
Wilkerson is a well-required attorney with Wilkerson & Bryan, P.C., a Montgomery-based law firm specializing in “helping clients navigate complex commercial, regulatory and other legal matters,” according to its website.
He also has years of experience with the Alabama State Health Planning and Development Agency, focusing on Certificate-of-need laws and regulations. This experience should serve the commission well, according to APR sources who say if AMCC follows CON protocols, it will avoid future dilemmas.
Multiple sources who asked for anonymity to speak candidly about the current state of AMCC’s many troubles say that Wilkerson should bring order and stability to the commission.
Many attorneys with business before the commission privately say they will no longer work with AMCC’s outside counsel, William Webster.
Before the hearing in front of Montgomery Circuit Court Judge James Anderson on Monday, lawyers with interest before AMCC and the court worked over the weekend to negotiate an agreement that might bring resolution to some of the current legal entanglements. However, attorneys involved in the process grew increasingly frustrated with Webster – to the point that some of the attorneys refused to negotiate with Webster over the weekend, and they threatened to pull out of the agreement if Webster wasn’t replaced. Those agreements broke down early Monday morning before Judge Anderson’s hearing.
It is unclear if AMCC Director John McMillian will terminate Webster’s contract.
Insiders believe Wilkerson will restore trust and accountability to the process, which may result in more progress and fewer lawsuits.
