New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R) has given final approval to a measure adding generalized anxiety to the state’s list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis, the New Hampshire Bulletin reports. This new condition will take effect on September 10, 2024, providing more residents access to medical cannabis for their treatment needs. This addition follows the inclusion of severe pain in October 2023, which expanded the state’s medical cannabis program. As of 2022, there were approximately 13,000 registered patients in New Hampshire’s medical cannabis program, reflecting the program’s growth and the increasing acceptance of cannabis as a therapeutic option.
Despite this progress, Governor Sununu also vetoed a bill that would have allowed medical cannabis dispensaries to build greenhouses at their cultivation sites with approval from the state Department of Health and Human Services. In his veto message, Sununu expressed concerns about the bill’s lack of detail regarding essential safety, security, and location requirements, which he argued are necessary to ensure appropriate controls on a regulated substance. The governor emphasized the importance of stringent regulatory measures to maintain the integrity and safety of the state’s medical cannabis industry.
These recent actions by Sununu come about a month after House lawmakers tabled an adult-use legalization bill that had been approved by the state Senate. This bill included provisions for state-run adult-use cannabis dispensaries, which were designed to gain the governor’s support for broader cannabis reforms. However, the tabling of the bill and the recent veto suggest ongoing challenges in expanding cannabis access and regulation in New Hampshire.
The approval of generalized anxiety as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis is a significant step forward for patients seeking alternative treatments. However, the veto of the greenhouse bill highlights the continued debate over how best to regulate and expand the state’s cannabis industry while ensuring public safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
Stay informed with daily updates on cannabis business news by subscribing to our newsletter.
