The Therapeutic Use of Cannabis Program was enacted and signed into law on July 23, 2013, by the State Governor after the proposed bill was approved in both the House and the Senate.
The law, through the mandatory registry identification card system, authorizes the therapeutic use of cannabis by qualifying patients who have been diagnosed with or are undergoing treatment for any approved debilitating medical condition
Qualifying patients visiting with valid registration identification card from other states with similar medical marijuana program are allowed to possess cannabis for therapeutic purposes but are not allowed to cultivate or purchase cannabis in New Hampshire.
Qualifying patients and designated caregivers, are not allowed to possess or obtain more than two ounces of usable cannabis during a ten-day period.
Caregiver Laws
A designated caregiver is an individual specified and chosen by the qualifying patient who has agreed to assist the patient in the administration of medical cannabis. A designated caregiver shall:
- Be at least 21 years of age;
- Agreed to assist the patient in the therapeutic use of cannabis;
- Have never been convicted of a felony or any felony drug-related offense
A designated caregiver may assist no more than five (5) qualifying patients and he may receive compensation for the costs of services associated with assisting a qualifying patient in the therapeutic use of cannabis. Such compensation shall not constitute the sale of controlled substances.
Dispensary Laws
The Therapeutic Use of Cannabis Program provides for the operation of Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs), which are non-profit registered entities authorized to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, sell, and dispense cannabis and related supplies to qualifying patients, designated caregivers, and other alternative treatment centers. A qualifying patient shall obtain from registered and licensed ATCs designated on his medical marijuana card, but no more than two ounces of usable cannabis during a ten-day period and any amount of unusable cannabis.
The law provides that an ATC shall not be located in a residential district or within 1,000 feet of the property line of pre-existing public or private schools or those properties designated as drug-free school zones.
Growing Laws
The New Hampshire Therapeutic Use of Cannabis Program does not allow patients or caregivers to grow marijuana. Instead, it authorized the operation of state-regulated non-profit Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, sell, and dispense cannabis and related supplies to qualifying patients, designated caregivers, and other alternative treatment centers.