Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override a veto of a bill that legalizes the medicinal use of marijuana for patients that have been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition beginning January 1, 2010.

Highlights:

-Defines "debilitating medical condition" as a chronic or terminal disease or other medical condition in which symptoms or result of treatment includes cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures for more than 3 months, severe nausea, severe vomiting, seizures, or severe and persistent muscle spasms (Sec. 2). -Specifies that a debilitating medical condition includes, but is not limited to, cancer, glaucoma, positive status for HIV or AIDS, heptitus C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Crohn's disease, agitation of Alzheimer's disease, or multiple sclerosis (Sec. 2). -Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a registry identification card to patients that submit the following (Sec. 2):

-Written certification that the individual is a qualifying patient; -Application or renewal fee; -Name, address, and birth date of the patient, unless the patient is homeless; -Name, address, and telephone number of the patient's physician; -Name, address, and telephone number of the patient's primary caregiver, if any; -Name and address of the compassion center that the patient designates; -Signed statement by the patient pledging not to divert medical marijuana to anyone not authorized to posses it; -Complete set of the designated caregiver's fingerprints; and -Signed statement by the caregiver pledging not to divert medical marijuana to anyone not authorized to posses it.

-Requires the cultivation and distribution of marijuana be performed by non-profit "compassion centers," and limits the amount of marijuana that may be dispensed to 2 ounces during a 10-day period (Sec. 2). -Requires the cultivation of marijuana take place in an enclosed, locked facility that can only be accessed by principal officers, board members, agents, volunteers, or employees of the registered "compassion center" who are cardholders (Sec. 2). -Authorizes "compassion centers" to cultivate and possess either 96 marijuana plants, 96 seedlings, and 32 ounces of usable marijuana, or 6 plants, 6 seedlings, and 2 ounces of usable marijuana for each registered patient, whichever is greater (Sec. 2). -Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to grant registration certificates to 3 compassion centers within 230 days of the effective date of this Act, provided that at least 3 applications have been submitted, and authorizes the Department to accept applications for 2 additional centers if 3 centers is not sufficient after 2 years (Sec. 2). -Prohibits the arrest, prosecution, or penalty of any manner being imposed on a patient in possession of a registry identification card and up to 2 ounces of usable marijuana (Sec. 2). -Prohibits the arrest, prosecution, or penalty of any manner being imposed on a designated caregiver who has been issued a registry identification card for assisting a patient with the medical marijuana use, provided that caregiver does not possess an amount of usable marijuana in excess 2 ounces (Sec. 2). -Requires caregivers to be at least 21 years of age, either be a member of the patient's household or family or a licensed health care professional who has agreed to assist with a patient's medical use of marijuana, and who has never been convicted of any drug related offense (Sec. 2). -Prohibits the issuance of a registry identification card to a patient under the age of 18, unless the patient's physician has explained the potential risks and benefits of medical marijuana to the patient's parent or legal guardian with responsibility for health care decisions for the patient, and the parent or legal guardian has consented in writing to allow the patient to use marijuana, serve as the patient's caregiver, and control the acquisition, dosage, and frequency of medical marijuana usage (Sec. 2). -Specifies that a registry identification card, or the equivalent thereof, that is issued by another state, district, territory, commonwealth, etc. that authorizes, in the jurisdiction of issuance, the visiting patient to possess marijuana for medical purposes shall have the same force and effect as a registration card issued in New Hampshire, provided that the patient meets the same debilitating medical condition requirements (Sec. 2). -Classifies the unlawful diversion of marijuana from a cardholder to an individual who is not authorized to posses medical marijuana as a class B felony, and requires the individual have their identification card revoked (Sec. 2). -Prohibits employers from discriminating against an individual in hiring, terminating, or any condition of employment for being a medical marijuana patient, caregiver of a patient, or for a patient testing positive for marijuana on a drug test, unless the patient was impaired by marijuana on the premises of the place of employment or during the hours of employment (Sec. 2). -Specifies that the provisions of this Act do not authorize any individual to do any of the following (Sec. 2):

-Operate a motor vehicle, commercial vehicle, boat, vessel, or other vehicle while under the influence of marijuana; -Operate heavy machinery or handle a dangerous instrument while under the influence of marijuana; -Be under the influence of marijuana in his or her place of employment, without written permission from the employer; -Use or possess marijuana for purposes other than symptom relief; -Use or possess marijuana in a manner that endangers the health, well-being, or safety of another individual; -Smoke marijuana on a school bus, public bus, or other public vehicle; -Smoke marijuana on the grounds of any school; -Smoke marijuana on the grounds of any correctional facility; or -Smoke marijuana at any park, public beach, public recreation center, public field, or youth center.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override a veto of a bill that legalizes the medicinal use of marijuana for patients that have been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition beginning January 1, 2010.

Highlights:

-Defines "debilitating medical condition" as a chronic or terminal disease or other medical condition in which symptoms or result of treatment includes cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures for more than 3 months, severe nausea, severe vomiting, seizures, or severe and persistent muscle spasms (Sec. 2). -Specifies that a debilitating medical condition includes, but is not limited to, cancer, glaucoma, positive status for HIV or AIDS, heptitus C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Crohn's disease, agitation of Alzheimer's disease, or multiple sclerosis (Sec. 2). -Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a registry identification card to patients that submit the following (Sec. 2):

-Written certification that the individual is a qualifying patient; -Application or renewal fee; -Name, address, and birth date of the patient, unless the patient is homeless; -Name, address, and telephone number of the patient's physician; -Name, address, and telephone number of the patient's primary caregiver, if any; -Name and address of the compassion center that the patient designates; -Signed statement by the patient pledging not to divert medical marijuana to anyone not authorized to posses it; -Complete set of the designated caregiver's fingerprints; and -Signed statement by the caregiver pledging not to divert medical marijuana to anyone not authorized to posses it.

-Requires the cultivation and distribution of marijuana be performed by non-profit "compassion centers," and limits the amount of marijuana that may be dispensed to 2 ounces during a 10-day period (Sec. 2). -Requires the cultivation of marijuana take place in an enclosed, locked facility that can only be accessed by principal officers, board members, agents, volunteers, or employees of the registered "compassion center" who are cardholders (Sec. 2). -Authorizes "compassion centers" to cultivate and possess either 96 marijuana plants, 96 seedlings, and 32 ounces of usable marijuana, or 6 plants, 6 seedlings, and 2 ounces of usable marijuana for each registered patient, whichever is greater (Sec. 2). -Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to grant registration certificates to 3 compassion centers within 230 days of the effective date of this Act, provided that at least 3 applications have been submitted, and authorizes the Department to accept applications for 2 additional centers if 3 centers is not sufficient after 2 years (Sec. 2). -Prohibits the arrest, prosecution, or penalty of any manner being imposed on a patient in possession of a registry identification card and up to 2 ounces of usable marijuana (Sec. 2). -Prohibits the arrest, prosecution, or penalty of any manner being imposed on a designated caregiver who has been issued a registry identification card for assisting a patient with the medical marijuana use, provided that caregiver does not possess an amount of usable marijuana in excess 2 ounces (Sec. 2). -Requires caregivers to be at least 21 years of age, either be a member of the patient's household or family or a licensed health care professional who has agreed to assist with a patient's medical use of marijuana, and who has never been convicted of any drug related offense (Sec. 2). -Prohibits the issuance of a registry identification card to a patient under the age of 18, unless the patient's physician has explained the potential risks and benefits of medical marijuana to the patient's parent or legal guardian with responsibility for health care decisions for the patient, and the parent or legal guardian has consented in writing to allow the patient to use marijuana, serve as the patient's caregiver, and control the acquisition, dosage, and frequency of medical marijuana usage (Sec. 2). -Specifies that a registry identification card, or the equivalent thereof, that is issued by another state, district, territory, commonwealth, etc. that authorizes, in the jurisdiction of issuance, the visiting patient to possess marijuana for medical purposes shall have the same force and effect as a registration card issued in New Hampshire, provided that the patient meets the same debilitating medical condition requirements (Sec. 2). -Classifies the unlawful diversion of marijuana from a cardholder to an individual who is not authorized to posses medical marijuana as a class B felony, and requires the individual have their identification card revoked (Sec. 2). -Prohibits employers from discriminating against an individual in hiring, terminating, or any condition of employment for being a medical marijuana patient, caregiver of a patient, or for a patient testing positive for marijuana on a drug test, unless the patient was impaired by marijuana on the premises of the place of employment or during the hours of employment (Sec. 2). -Specifies that the provisions of this Act do not authorize any individual to do any of the following (Sec. 2):

-Operate a motor vehicle, commercial vehicle, boat, vessel, or other vehicle while under the influence of marijuana; -Operate heavy machinery or handle a dangerous instrument while under the influence of marijuana; -Be under the influence of marijuana in his or her place of employment, without written permission from the employer; -Use or possess marijuana for purposes other than symptom relief; -Use or possess marijuana in a manner that endangers the health, well-being, or safety of another individual; -Smoke marijuana on a school bus, public bus, or other public vehicle; -Smoke marijuana on the grounds of any school; -Smoke marijuana on the grounds of any correctional facility; or -Smoke marijuana at any park, public beach, public recreation center, public field, or youth center.

Full Bill Text

Vetoed by Governor John Lynch

Full Bill Text
Veto Letter

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that legalizes the medicinal use of marijuana for patients that have been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition beginning January 1, 2010.

Highlights:

-Defines "debilitating medical condition" as a chronic or terminal disease or medical condition in which symptoms or result of treatment includes cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures for more than 3 months, severe nausea, severe vomiting, seizures, or severe and persistent muscle spasms (Sec. 2). -Specifies that a debilitating medical condition includes, but is not limited to, cancer, glaucoma, positive status for HIV or AIDS, heptitus C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Crohn's disease, agitation of Alzheimer's disease, or multiple sclerosis (Sec. 2). -Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a registry identification card to qualified patients who submit the following (Sec. 2):

-Written certification that the individual is a qualifying patient; -Application or renewal fee; -Name, address, and birth date of the patient, unless the patient is homeless; -Name, address, and telephone number of the patient's physician; -Name, address, and telephone number of the patient's primary caregiver, if any; -Signed statement by the patient pledging not to divert medical marijuana to anyone not authorized to posses it; and -Signed statement by the caregiver pledging not to divert medical marijuana to anyone not authorized to posses it.

-Prohibits the arrest, prosecution, or penalty of any manner being imposed on a patient in possession of a registry identification card and up to 6 marijuana plants, 2 ounces of usable marijuana, and 6 seedlings (Sec. 2). -Requires the cultivation of marijuana to occur on the patient's property (Sec. 2). -Prohibits the arrest, prosecution, or penalty of any manner being imposed on a designated caregiver who has been issued a registry identification card for assisting a patient with the medical marijuana use, provided that caregiver does not possess an amount of marijuana in excess of 6 marijuana plants, 2 ounces of usable marijuana, and 6 seedlings (Sec. 2). -Requires caregivers to be at least 21 years of age, either be a member of the patient's household or family or a licensed health care professional who has agreed to assist with a patient's medical use of marijuana, and who has never been convicted of any drug related offense (Sec. 2). -Prohibits the arrest, prosecution, or penalty of any manner being imposed on a patient for providing or offering to provide marijuana to another patient or the patient's caregiver, provided that nothing of value is transferred in return and the amount of marijuana being provided does not exceed the limits established by this Act (Sec. 2). -Prohibits the issuance of a registry identification card to a patient under the age of 18, unless the patient's physician has explained the potential risks and benefits of medical marijuana to the patient's parent or legal guardian with responsibility for health care decisions for the patient, and the parent or legal guardian has consented in writing to allow the patient to use marijuana, serve as the patient's caregiver, and control the acquisition, dosage, and frequency of marijuana usage (Sec. 2). -Specifies that a registry identification card, or the equivalent thereof, that is issued by another state, district, territory, commonwealth, etc. that authorizes, in the jurisdiction of issuance, the visiting patient to possess marijuana for medical purposes shall have the same force and effect as a registration card issued in New Hampshire, provided that the patient meets the same debilitating medical condition requirements (Sec. 2). -Classifies the unlawful diversion of marijuana from a cardholder to an individual who is not authorized to posses medical marijuana as a class B felony, and requires the individual have their identification card revoked (Sec. 2). -Prohibits employers from discriminating against an individual in hiring, terminating, or any condition of employment for being a medical marijuana patient, caregiver of a patient, or for a patient testing positive for marijuana on a drug test, unless the patient was impaired by marijuana on the premises of the place of employment or during the hours of employment (Sec. 2). -Specifies that the provisions of this Act do not authorize any individual to do any of the following (Sec. 2):

-Operate a motor vehicle, commercial vehicle, boat, vessel, or other vehicle while under the influence of marijuana; -Operate heavy machinery or handle a dangerous instrument while under the influence of marijuana; -Be under the influence of marijuana in his or her place of employment, without written permission from the employer; -Use or possess marijuana for purposes other than symptom relief; -Use or possess marijuana in a manner that endangers the health, well-being, or safety of another individual; -Smoke marijuana on a school bus, public bus, or other public vehicle; -Smoke marijuana on the grounds of any school; -Smoke marijuana on the grounds of any correctional facility; or -Smoke marijuana at any park, public beach, public recreation center, public field, or youth center.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that legalizes the medicinal use of marijuana for patients that have been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition beginning January 1, 2010.

Highlights:

-Defines "debilitating medical condition" as a chronic or terminal disease, or medical condition in which symptoms or result of treatment may includes cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures for more than 3 months, severe nausea, severe vomiting, seizures, or severe and persistent muscle spasms (Sec. 2). -Specifies that a debilitating medical condition includes, but is not limited to, cancer, glaucoma, positive status for HIV or AIDS, heptitus C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Crohn's disease, agitation of Alzheimer's disease, or multiple sclerosis (Sec. 2). -Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a registry identification card to qualified patients who submit the following (Sec. 2):

-Written certification that the individual is a qualifying patient; -Application or renewal fee; -Name, address, and birth date of the patient, unless the patient is homeless; -Name, address, and telephone number of the patient's physician; -Name, address, and telephone number of the patient's primary caregiver, if any; -Signed statement by the patient pledging not to divert medical marijuana to anyone not authorized to posses it; and -Signed statement by the caregiver pledging not to divert medical marijuana to anyone not authorized to posses it.

-Prohibits the arrest, prosecution, or penalty of any manner being imposed on a patient in possession of a registry identification card and up to 6 marijuana plants, 2 ounces of usable marijuana, and 6 seedlings (Sec. 2). -Requires the cultivation of marijuana to occur on the patient's property (Sec. 2). -Prohibits the arrest, prosecution, or penalty of any manner being imposed on a designated caregiver who has been issued a registry identification card for assisting a patient with the medical marijuana use, provided that caregiver does not possess an amount of marijuana in excess of 6 marijuana plants, 2 ounces of usable marijuana, and 6 seedlings (Sec. 2). -Requires caregivers to be at least 21 years of age, either be a member of the patient's household or family or a licensed health care professional who has agreed to assist with a patient's medical use of marijuana, and who has never been convicted of a felony offense (Sec. 2). -Prohibits the arrest, prosecution, or penalty of any manner being imposed on a patient for providing or offering to provide marijuana to another patient or the patient's caregiver, provided that nothing of value is transferred in return and the amount of marijuana being provided does not exceed the limits established by this Act (Sec. 2). -Prohibits the issuance of a registry identification card to a patient under the age of 18, unless the patient's physician has explained the potential risks and benefits of medical marijuana to the patient's parent or legal guardian with responsibility for health care decisions for the patient, and the parent or legal guardian has consented in writing to allow the patient to use marijuana, serve as the patient's caregiver, and control the acquisition, dosage, and frequency of marijuana usage (Sec. 2). -Specifies that a registry identification card, or the equivalent thereof, that is issued by another state, district, territory, commonwealth, etc. that authorizes, in the jurisdiction of issuance, the visiting patient to possess marijuana for medical purposes shall have the same force and effect as a registration card issued in New Hampshire, provided that the patient meets the same debilitating medical condition requirements (Sec. 2). -Classifies the unlawful diversion of marijuana from a cardholder to an individual who is not authorized to posses medical marijuana as a class B felony, and requires the individual have their identification card revoked (Sec. 2). -Prohibits employers from discriminating against an individual in hiring, terminating, or any condition of employment for being a medical marijuana patient, caregiver of a patient, or for a patient testing positive for marijuana on a drug test, unless the patient was impaired by marijuana on the premises of the place of employment or during the hours of employment (Sec. 2). -Specifies that the provisions of this Act do not authorize any individual to do the following (Sec. 2):

-Undertaking any task under the influence of marijuana, when doing so would constitute negligence or professional malpractice; -Possessing marijuana, or otherwise engage in the medical use of marijuana in a school bus, on the grounds of any preschool or primary or secondary school, or in any correctional facility; -Smoking marijuana on any form of public transportation or in any public place; -Operating, navigating, or being in actual physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft, or motorboat while under the influence of marijuana; or -Using marijuana if that individual does not have a serious or debilitating medical condition.

Full Bill Text