For the third time in five years, New Hampshire's legislature voted in favor of medical marijuana. This time, on July 23, Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan signed the bill. New Hamphire is now the 19th state with a medical marijuana law.
Hassan supported a compromise bill that does not allow home growing and requires the creation of four state-run dispensaries. Both houses in the legislature voted in favor on June 26.
"Allowing doctors to provide relief to patients through the use of appropriately regulated and dispensed medical marijuana is the compassionate and right policy for the State of New Hampshire," Hassan stated.
The bill allows patients to possess up to two ounces of marijuana. Dispensaries are expected to open in 2015.
“This law will not make New Hampshire a California, Colorado or Washington State," says Republican Sen. John Reagan. "The restrictions in this bill will help ensure that this is a New Hampshire law that helps New Hampshire patients."
Previous Gov. John Lynch, also a Democrat, twice vetoed medical marijuana bills.
A similar bill in Illinois is awaiting the governor's signature.
