Medical Cannabis Milestone: Alabama made its first state-sanctioned medical marijuana purchase in Montgomery, with Amanda Taylor—who has multiple sclerosis—buying products at Callie’s Apothecary and calling it a historic step for patient access. Public Health—Substance Risks: A new report says kratom poisonings and hospitalizations surged 1,200% over the past decade, as regulators struggle to keep up with rising dangers and states weigh bans or limits. Health Alerts—Vaping: Alabama health officials are warning teens and young adults that vaping can still cause nicotine addiction and harm lungs and the brain, even when marketed as safer. Care Access—Kidney Breakthrough: A CAR T-cell clinical trial enabled two highly sensitized patients with end-stage kidney disease to finally receive compatible transplants, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Local Nursing Home Watch: CMS data shows Barfield Health Care ranked No. 2 in Marshall County in Q1 2026 and earned a 5-star overall rating, while Marshall Manor’s ownership and CMS rating were also detailed for the quarter. Community Health Jobs: TARCOG announced a tri-county career fair to hire case managers and expand support for older adults and people with disabilities.