This bill amends the eligibility criteria for the therapeutic cannabis program by removing the requirement that severe pain must be resistant to other treatment options to qualify as a medical condition for cannabis use. Specifically, the legal language "that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures or for which other treatment options produced serious side effects" is deleted from RSA 126-X:1, IX(a)(2) and RSA 126-X:1, IX(b)(2), simplifying the definition of severe pain as a qualifying condition.

Additionally, the bill establishes a commission to study and propose legislation for state-controlled sales of cannabis, with detailed membership and consultation requirements outlined. It also prohibits the sale of hemp products containing THC levels greater than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis, including all THC isomer variants. The bill sets forth the effective dates for various sections, with most provisions taking effect on October 7, 2023, the commission study repeal on December 1, 2023, and the repeal of the prohibition on hemp-derived products containing THC on October 7, 2024. The remainder of the act is effective as of August 8, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 126-X:1
As Amended by the Senate: 126-X:1, 126-X:12
Version adopted by both bodies: 126-X:1, 176:16-b, 126-X:12
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 126-X:1, 176:16-b, 126-X:12