Why it matters:
Patients visiting New Hampshire from another state or Canada can now access medical cannabis from authorized dispensaries in the state. This move allows individuals with qualifying medical conditions to obtain the treatment they need while away from home.
What they are saying:
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services announced that “visiting patients” with valid therapeutic cannabis identification from another state or Canada can purchase medical cannabis from New Hampshire’s alternative treatment centers (ATCs). These patients must comply with all applicable state laws and are limited to a possession limit of 2 ounces per patient.
The big picture:
New Hampshire legalized medical cannabis in 2013 and has expanded its law since then. As of now, 38 states in the US have medical cannabis laws. However, New Hampshire remains the only state in New England that has not legalized recreational cannabis.
What to watch:
It will be interesting to see if other states follow New Hampshire’s lead and allow visiting patients to access medical cannabis. Additionally, the potential for New Hampshire to legalize recreational cannabis in the future is something to keep an eye on.
My take:
This article highlights the efforts being made to ensure that medical cannabis patients can access their treatment even when they are away from home. It is a positive step towards accommodating the needs of patients and ensuring they have access to the medication they require. However, it is also worth considering the larger picture and the potential for further legalization efforts in the future.
