House Bill 1231 amends existing law to facilitate the cultivation of cannabis for therapeutic use by qualifying patients and designated caregivers. It defines "cultivation location" as a secure, enclosed site for growing cannabis and modifies the definition of "designated caregiver" to include those who cultivate cannabis for therapeutic use for a qualifying patient. The bill establishes protections against legal penalties for patients and caregivers who cultivate cannabis within specified limits and at reported locations. It also allows caregivers to be compensated for costs up to $500 per year without it being considered a drug sale. Additionally, the bill updates requirements for registry identification cards and laboratory testing of cannabis.

The bill also addresses law enforcement's access to information about patients, caregivers, and cultivation locations, allowing disclosure under certain conditions with a sworn affidavit. It introduces reporting requirements for cultivation locations, amends the affirmative defense for cannabis-related offenses, and sets limits on the amount of cannabis that can be obtained from alternative treatment centers. The department is given authority to revoke cultivation permissions for rule violations, and the bill removes the limit on the number of seedlings that alternative treatment centers can possess. The act is set to become effective on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 126-X:1, 126-X:2, 126-X:3, 126-X:4, 126-X:5, 126-X:6
As Amended by the House: 126-X:1, 126-X:2, 126-X:3, 126-X:4, 126-X:5, 126-X:6