Should New Hampshire permit medicinal marijuana?
By: LFDA Editor
The House has introduced legislation to legalize medicinal marijuana.
HB 573 allows for up to five alternative treatment centers to dispense marijuana to patients as well as allow them to grow small amounts for personal use, or to designate a caregiver to grow it for them.
Governor Maggie Hassan has publicly expressed support for medicinal marijuana legislation.
Former Governor John Lynch vetoed a similar bill (
SB 409) in 2012. In his veto message, Gov. Lynch expressed concern with the legislation's inability to control marijuana cultivation sites.
The Senate fell three votes shy of a veto override.
Proponents of medical marijuana argue that it can be a safe and effective treatment for the symptoms of terminal illness and chronic diseases. The American College of Physicians, American Nurses Association, and American Public Health Association are some of the major health organizations to support the medicinal value of marijuana.
Opponents argue that marijuana is an addictive, non-FDA approved drug that adversely affects the lungs, immune system, and brain.
According to 2013 WMUR Granite State poll, 79% of New Hampshire residents support a medicinal marijuana law (57% strongly and 22% somewhat).
Eighteen states and the District of Columbia have enacted medicinal marijuana laws.