In a significant move towards expanding patient access to medical cannabis, the governor signed two new bills into law.
The first bill, NH SB357, which takes effect on September 24, 2024, broadens the range of healthcare professionals who can recommend medical cannabis. Now, any licensed practitioner who is authorized to prescribe drugs and holds an active registration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) can recommend cannabis to patients. This expansion aims to provide greater flexibility for patients seeking alternative treatments for their qualifying medical conditions.
The second bill, NH HB1278, takes a more patient-centric approach. It gives healthcare providers the discretion to recommend medical cannabis to any patient who could benefit from it, regardless of whether they have a condition currently recognized by the state. Under this law, which will take effect October 1, 2024, doctors can recommend cannabis if they believe the therapeutic benefits outweigh the potential health risks for the patient.
Although New Hampshire is the only New England state that has not legalized recreational marijuana, these new laws mark a significant step forward in making medical cannabis more accessible to those in need, reflecting a growing recognition of its potential therapeutic benefits.
New Hampshire, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York are among six states that require workers’ comp insurance carriers to reimburse medical marijuana.
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