MA S79

Amends Chapter 94I of Massachusetts General Laws to expand the definition of "debilitating medical condition" to include opioid use disorder alongside existing conditions like cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD

Allows registered healthcare professionals to determine in writing that other conditions beyond the enumerated list qualify as debilitating medical conditions for medical marijuana eligibility

Expands the definition of "qualifying patient" to include veterans receiving healthcare at federal Veterans Administration facilities who provide VA documentation of a debilitating medical condition diagnosis

Veterans would no longer need certification from a Massachusetts-registered healthcare professional if they have VA documentation of their qualifying diagnosis

Filed by Senator Ryan C. Fattman (Worcester and Hampden) with co-sponsors Representative Michael J. Soter and Senator Bruce E. Tarr; similar legislation was filed in the 2023-2024 session as House Bill 4087