Title:
N.H. bill faces challenges in Senate
Message:
Call Gov. Hassan and write your senator today!
It was a huge victory for patients when the House approved HB 573 by a record 286-64 vote last Wednesday, but our work is far from complete. In the wake of last week’s vote, several senators have expressed concerns, suggesting that they may want to make the bill more restrictive before they agree to pass it. And although Gov. Maggie Hassan has consistently expressed support for allowing medical marijuana, she has expressed “concerns” about allowing patients to cultivate their own plants.
We remain confident that the Senate will pass HB 573, and that Gov. Hassan will sign it. However, senators and the governor need to be encouraged that this is a responsible, tightly-crafted bill, and that they should not make it any more restrictive.
HB 573 authorizes five non-profit alternative treatment centers, which we hope will develop into a great option for patients, but it will likely take two or more years before an alternative treatment center is able to begin serving patients. For patients who can’t afford to wait, the home cultivation option is critical.
Please email your senator, and please also call Gov. Hassan’s office to politely express your opinion. Then, please forward this to other compassionate Granite Staters.
