Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that reduces penalties for cannabis possession and authorizes the use of cannabis for certain medical purposes.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the acquisition, administration, possession, purchase, transfer, and transportation of cannabis to alleviate a qualifying medical condition (Sec. 2).

• Defines “cannabis” as all parts of all varieties of the plant cannabis sativa L. not exceeding 3% tetrahydrocannabinol by weight (Sec. 2).

• Defines “cardholder” as a patient or designated caregiver to whom the Department of Health has issued a hemp preparation registration card (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that a non-cardholding individual in possession of cannabis will receive the following penalty (Sec. 15):

• Class B misdemeanor if individual has no prior conviction;

• Class A misdemeanor if individual has a prior conviction for a similar offense; or

• Drug Severity-Level 5 Felony if individual has 2 or more similar convictions.

• Authorizes the Department of Agriculture, alone or in conjunction with a state educational institution, to cultivate and promote the research and development of industrial hemp grown from certified seed (Sec. 13).

• Prohibits cardholders or visiting cardholders from being arrested and prosecuted for authorized medical use of hemp preparations (Sec. 6).

• Requires the Department of Health to maintain a confidential list of all cardholders along with their address and identification numbers (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text