Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the use of medical marijuana for qualifying individuals.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a patient to register with the Department of Health and be issued a medical cannabis access card authorizing the patient to purchase, possess, and use medical marijuana, if the patient provides a certification from a health care practitioner stating that they have a “qualified medical condition” (Secs. 102 & 701).

• Defines “qualified medical condition” as certain medical conditions including, but not limited to, the following conditions (Sec. 102):
• Cancer;
• Epilepsy and seizures;
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS);
• Cachexia/wasting syndrome;
• Parkinson’s Disease;
• Traumatic brain injury and postconcussion syndrome;
• Multiple Sclerosis;
• Spinocerebellara ataxia (SCA);
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
• Severe fibromyalgia; and
• Any other approved condition.

• Establishes the State Board of Medical Cannabis Licensing and specifies that it will consist of the following members appointed by the governor and approved by a majority of the senate (Sec. 302):
• The Secretary of Health;
• The Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs;
• The Secretary of Public Welfare;
• 2 members of the public;
• 2 medical doctors representing specialties which use medical marijuana treatments;
• 2 registered nurses;
• 1 licensed pharmacist; and
• 1 member representing hospitals.

• Authorizes the State Board of Medical Cannabis Licensing to perform certain duties including, but not limited to, the following duties (Sec. 303):
• To implement procedures to expand the list of qualified medical conditions for which a patient may obtain medical cannabis;
• To provide for and regulate the licensing of medical marijuana growers, processors, and dispensers; and
• To issue certifications to testing laboratories.

• Prohibits an individual from smoking or vaporizing marijuana (Sec. 902).

• Specifies that marijuana authorized for medical use includes, but is not limited to, an oil, edible product, ointment, or tincture derived from a marijuana plant (Sec. 102).

• Prohibits an individual with a blood content of more than 10 nanograms of tetrahydrocannabis (THC) per milliliter of blood from operating or being in physical control of certain pieces of equipment including, but not limited to, the following equipment (Sec. 902):
• A motor vehicle;
• A motor boat; or
• A piece of heavy machinery.

Full Bill Text