0357
06-02-2007, 03:05 PM
Vermont medical marijuana improvement bill becomes law...
Yesterday, Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas (R) let MPP's medical marijuana improvement bill become law without his signature. The new law will take effect on July 1. You can read news coverage here.
Vermont's existing law *€” which MPP was responsible for enacting in 2004 *€” is the most restrictive of the medical marijuana laws in 12 states, because only patients suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS, or multiple sclerosis have been able to qualify to use medical marijuana. Under the new law, however, patients suffering from nausea, wasting, chronic pain, or seizures will be permitted to use medical marijuana.
The new Vermont law will also increase the number of plants patients and caregivers are allowed to grow. Currently, patients in Vermont can grow only three plants; the new law allows patients to grow nine plants.
Additionally, the new law reduces the annual application fee for patients from $100 to $50. And it will also allow doctors in New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire to recommend medical marijuana for their Vermont patients.
In sum, Vermont's medical marijuana law will now be in line with the medical marijuana laws in Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
Yesterday, Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas (R) let MPP's medical marijuana improvement bill become law without his signature. The new law will take effect on July 1. You can read news coverage here.
Vermont's existing law *€” which MPP was responsible for enacting in 2004 *€” is the most restrictive of the medical marijuana laws in 12 states, because only patients suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS, or multiple sclerosis have been able to qualify to use medical marijuana. Under the new law, however, patients suffering from nausea, wasting, chronic pain, or seizures will be permitted to use medical marijuana.
The new Vermont law will also increase the number of plants patients and caregivers are allowed to grow. Currently, patients in Vermont can grow only three plants; the new law allows patients to grow nine plants.
Additionally, the new law reduces the annual application fee for patients from $100 to $50. And it will also allow doctors in New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire to recommend medical marijuana for their Vermont patients.
In sum, Vermont's medical marijuana law will now be in line with the medical marijuana laws in Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.