HB 2261 Summary

• Allows non-registered qualifying patients to use medical cannabis for one year from the date of a physician's or advanced practice registered nurse's written certification, without waiting for a state registry card.

• Requires non-registered patients to submit consent forms authorizing the department of health and dispensary to verify information with their medical provider, and waiver forms holding the state and dispensaries harmless for any consequences of cannabis use before registry card issuance.

• Limits non-registered patients to possession of five cannabis plants (immature or mature) and two ounces of usable cannabis, which is half the amount permitted for registered qualifying patients.

• Requires the medical provider to be in full compliance with all department of health requirements and maintain a bona fide patient relationship with the non-registered patient.

• Non-registered patient status expires one year after certification issuance unless the department of health issues a registry card that has not expired.