Tagged: medical marijuana

A proposal to legalize medical marijuana went before a house committee today.  Lead Sponsor, Exeter Democrat Donna Schlachman promoted the plan as one that has profited from experiences -- good and bad -- of medical marijuana laws passed in other states.

"You cannot physician shop, and just start getting multiple prescriptions. You have to be a qualifying patient, and there is very strict definition of what qualifies you for this prescription._

Newly-elected Governor Maggie Hassan has expressed willingness to support medical marijuana, which means this year’s attempt at a bill stands a better chance of becoming law.  To get an idea of how things could play out if that happens, we thought we'd turn to our western neighbor, Vermont, and see how the program is working there.

Shayne Lynn of Burlington recently obtained a license to operate a state-sanctioned dispensary. I began by asking him why he's starting a dispensary.

The rest of New England now allows use of marijuana for certain health conditions.  And with a Governor-elect saying she’s open to the idea here….supporters are feeling hopeful.  But opponents still have many concerns, among them: that medical marijuana would be hard to control, encouraging use by those who aren’t even sick. 

Guests:

Republican candidate for governor, Ovide Lamontagne, came on NHPR’s ‘The Exchange’ today to discuss his campaign.

Lamontagne says his campaign is focused on the economy and jobs. He wants to loosen regulations on local business and support free enterprise.

He also says he would develop a ‘zero-base’ or ‘prospective’ budget versus New Hampshire’s current ‘maintenance’-style budget.

The New Hampshire Senate has failed to override Gov. John Lynch's veto of a bill that would legalize the home cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes.