The bill seeks to amend the "The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act" by introducing new definitions and clarifying existing ones related to medical marijuana. Notably, it defines an "authorized purchaser" as someone registered to assist a qualifying patient in buying marijuana from a compassion center. It also potentially expands the definition of "qualifying patient" to include animals diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition by a veterinary practitioner, thereby introducing the term "veterinary practitioner" into the law. Other definitions being clarified or added include "cannabis testing laboratory," "cardholder," "commercial unit," "compassion center," and various terms concerning marijuana plants and products. The bill outlines the roles of the department of health, department of business regulation, and department of public safety in overseeing medical marijuana regulation.

The proposed amendment would allow veterinary practitioners to certify animals for medical marijuana use, provided they have a bona fide relationship with the animal and believe the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. The certification must include a detailed account of the animal's medical condition and relevant medical history. The bill is designed to take effect immediately upon passage. The summary does not mention any specific insertions or deletions from the current law, suggesting that the changes are additions to the existing legal framework rather than modifications or removals of existing provisions.

Statutes affected:
810: 21-28.6-3