Signed by Governor John Carney, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass with amendment a bill that authorizes medical marijuana identification cards for patients with debilitating illnesses.

Highlights:

• Defines “qualifying patient” as an individual who meets the qualifications to receive a registry identification card (Sec. 1).

• Defines “registry identification card” as a document issued by the Department that identifies a person as (Sec. 1):

• A registered qualifying adult patient;

• A registered designated caregiver for a qualifying adult patient;

• A registered compassionate use adult patient;

• A registered designated caregiver for an adult compassionate use patient; or

• A registered designated caregiver for a pediatric compassionate use patient.

• Authorizes the Department to issue compassionate use cards to individuals who submit (Sec. 2):

• A statement signed by the patient’s physician that includes statements certifying;

• The severe and debilitating condition of the patient;

• All other standard practices and treatments have failed or the side effects are prohibitive with continued use;

• The commitment of the physician to re-evaluate and document the efficacy of medical marijuana treatment;

• The reasons that support the potential for the benefits of marijuana to the patient; and

• If the patient is under eighteen years of age, a statement signed by the patient’s legal guardian showing that they understand the patient’s informed consent to medical marijuana treatment.

• Specifies that the denial of an application or renewal for a registry identification card is subject to judicial review, but the denial of an application or renewal for a compassionate use registry identification card is not (Sec. 3).

• Requires registry identification cards to specify that the registered cardholder is either (Sec. 5):

• A registered qualifying adult patient;

• A registered designated caregiver for a qualifying adult patient;

• A registered compassionate use adult patient;

• A registered designated caregiver for an adult compassionate use patient; or

• A registered designated caregiver for a pediatric compassionate use patient.

• Specifies that registry identification cards for compassionate use patients will expire on a specific date if that physician states in the written certification that the patient would benefit from a trial period using marijuana until that specific date (Sec. 5).

• Authorizes the Department to enact regulations governing the intervals a physician has to re-evaluate and document the marijuana treatment for compassionate use patients, which will vary depending on the conditions for which the patient requires the compassionate use registry identification card (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text