HB 1487 Summary

• Defines "qualifying patient" as a person with a written physician recommendation for medical cannabis use and establishes qualifying medical conditions including cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and chronic debilitating conditions producing pain, nausea, or seizures.

• Requires the state department of health to adopt rules by July 1, 2016 governing medical cannabis use, distribution, cultivation, production, testing, licensing, and oversight of dispensing facilities, manufacturing facilities, processing facilities, and independent testing laboratories.

• Permits qualifying patients and personal caregivers to jointly cultivate cannabis for personal use limited to a 90-day supply per patient, with cultivation conducted in restricted access areas not visible from public rights of way.

• Provides physicians with immunity from civil and criminal liability for recommending medical cannabis or advising patients about its risks and benefits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

• Adds legal defenses to drug possession and dealing charges for cardholders whose conduct is authorized by a medical cannabis license issued under the bill.