A New Hampshire bill to legalize home-grown cannabis has been stalled in Senate discussions on Monday, and it’s likely the bill won’t make it to the floor again this legislative session. One step away from outright killing the bill, state lawmakers approved a motion to at least continue studying the issue. Debates on the Senate floor Monday, however, illustrate the confusion and divisiveness surrounding the question of whether to allow medical marijuana patients in New Hampshire to grow their own medicine.
New Hampshire Medical Marijuana Patients Still Can’t Grow Medicine At Home
New Hampshire House Bill 1476 would have filled an important gap in the state’s current medical cannabis program. Its rejection in the Senate today marks a setback toward expanding access for the state’s 3500 medical cannabis patients.
Currently, patients have to purchase medical cannabis products from one of the state’s licensed dispensaries. And although New Hampshire has increased the number of dispensaries in recent months, they remain out of reach for many patients.
Cost also represents another burden for low-income patients. In New Hampshire, dispensaries essentially charge street prices for an ounce of flower.
“We have increased the number of dispensaries, but we need more,” said Sen Martha Hennessey, one of the bill’s proponents.
“And those with disabilities often cannot get to the dispensaries we do have. Once they do get there … they can’t afford it because it’s costing approximately $300-$400 dollars an ounce,” Hennessey added.
Faced with unreasonably high costs, patients are likewise blocked by a law that bans home cannabis cultivation. The result is patients registered with a program but unable to obtain the medicine to which they’re legally entitled.
And as a New Hampshire