New Hampshire House Bill HB1278

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/6/23
• Refer: 12/6/23
• Report Pass: 1/25/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Report Pass: 2/23/24
• Engrossed: 3/13/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Report Pass: 5/6/24
• Report Pass: 5/15/24
• Enrolled: 7/23/24
• Chaptered: 8/7/24
• Passed: 8/7/24

Caption

Relative to qualifying medical conditions for purposes of therapeutic cannabis.

Impact

Apart from its focus on therapeutic cannabis, HB1278 also addresses hunger and nutrition assistance programs in New Hampshire. It mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to participate in the federal Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program and establishes simplified application processes for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the elderly. This is expected to improve food security among families eligible for free and reduced-price meals, thereby enhancing educational and health outcomes for children. The provisions of this bill aim to support vulnerable populations by streamlining access to nutritional assistance during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.

Summary

HB1278 amends the state's current laws related to qualifying medical conditions for therapeutic cannabis use. Specifically, it expands the list of debilitating or terminal medical conditions that can qualify individuals for therapeutic cannabis if a healthcare provider certifies its potential benefits. This change is intended to provide greater access to therapeutic cannabis for patients suffering from serious health issues, thus addressing an important aspect of medical care for terminally ill patients and those with debilitating conditions. Additionally, the bill removes previous limitations that affected visiting patients’ access to cannabis, further broadening the scope of eligible individuals.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve access to essential services for vulnerable populations, it also raises certain points of contention. Supporters of the therapeutic cannabis expansion argue that it is a necessary step toward improving patient care and quality of life for individuals with severe medical conditions. However, opponents may express concerns about the implications of increasing access to cannabis, potentially raising regulatory burdens or impacting public health and safety. Furthermore, the appropriate funding and administrative capacities of the Department of Health and Human Services to support these expanded programs will also be critical points of discussion in the legislative process.