New Hampshire Gov. Signs Bill Expanding Medical Marijuana Conditions

CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan has signed into law a bill that will add epilepsy, lupus and Parkinson’s disease to the list of conditions that qualify a patient for medical marijuana use in the state.

The widely supported bill, House Bill 476, was approved earlier this year by a voice vote in each chamber of the legislature.  The new conditions will be added to the program when the bill takes effect in 60 days.

Once the bill takes effect, epilepsy, lupus and Parkinson’s disease will be added to the list of qualifying conditions that currently includes cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscular dystrophy, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pancreatitis, spinal cord injury or disease, and traumatic brain injuries.

New Hampshire first authorized the use of medical marijuana in 2013, although the program has had a slow start. Medical marijuana patients have not been allowed to register for the program, and can not grow their own marijuana at home.

In June, the New Hampshire Department of Health announced the three companies who have been selected to operate the state’s four medical marijuana dispensaries.  The three companies now have until the end of August to finalize their applications before they can be issued a registration certificate to operate and begin growing marijuana.

A spokesperson for the Department estimates that it will take about 8-9 months before dispensaries will be open for business.  Approximately six weeks before the first dispensaries open, DHHS will begin issuing medical marijuana identification cards to patients.

Last month, a bill that would have decriminalized the possession of up to half an ounce of marijuana was tabled in the Senate, essentially killing the bill.

 

 

 

source:  thedailychronic.net/

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