HB 6566 - Compassionate Use of Marijuana

• Allows qualified patients diagnosed with debilitating medical conditions (cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cachexia, and others) to possess, cultivate, and use marijuana with physician certification.

• Requires patients to register with the Department of Consumer Protection and limits possession to a three-month supply in a secure indoor facility; patients may have one primary caregiver who is also registered.

• Protects qualifying patients, physicians, and licensed producers from arrest, prosecution, civil penalties, and professional licensing board discipline for compassionate marijuana use.

• Establishes an eight-member advisory board of physicians to review petitions for additional qualifying medical conditions and recommend regulations for marijuana production, distribution, and adequate supply amounts.

• Creates a separate compassionate marijuana administration account funded by registration fees to cover Department of Consumer Protection administrative costs; most provisions effective October 1, 2011.