HB207 Summary

• Establishes an affirmative defense to unlawful marijuana possession charges when a defendant possesses cannabidiol (CBD) with a THC level of no more than 3 percent and has been diagnosed by a physician with a debilitating medical condition for which CBD provides therapeutic or palliative relief.

• Qualifies debilitating medical conditions as chronic or debilitating diseases producing cachexia, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, severe muscle spasms, or any other condition severe and resistant to conventional medicine.

• Creates an affirmative defense for parents or caretakers possessing CBD on behalf of a patient under 18 years old who was recommended cannabidiol by a physician with whom the patient has an established physician-patient relationship.

• Requires a bona fide physician-patient relationship in which a physician has ongoing responsibility for assessment, care, and treatment of the patient's medical condition.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.