This bill amends existing laws to permit qualifying patients and designated caregivers to cultivate cannabis for therapeutic purposes. Key changes include the revised definition of "cultivation location," which now includes sites controlled by alternative treatment centers or qualifying patients and caregivers, provided they meet specific requirements. The definition of "designated caregiver" is expanded to allow individuals to cultivate cannabis for a single qualifying patient, in addition to assisting multiple patients under certain conditions. New definitions for "immature" and "mature cannabis plants" are introduced, and the bill outlines legal protections for patients and caregivers regarding cultivation and possession limits. Specific requirements for cultivation locations are established, including the need for them to be locked and enclosed, and the bill allows for the possession of certain amounts of cannabis and plants without legal repercussions if compliant.

Additionally, the bill enhances law enforcement access to information about qualifying patients and designated caregivers, allowing disclosure of whether cannabis is possessed or cultivated at a specific address if law enforcement provides a sworn affidavit indicating probable cause. Requests for this information will remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure, although aggregate data may be released. The bill also sets guidelines for reporting cultivation locations by December 1, 2025, introduces an affirmative defense for registered patients or caregivers charged with cannabis-related offenses, and clarifies penalties for violations of cannabis regulations. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 126-X:1, 126-X:2, 126-X:3, 126-X:4, 126-X:5, 126-X:8, 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:8, 126-X:6