S.F. No. 4446 Summary

• Removes the temporary provision allowing up to 60-day application approvals until January 1, 2016, establishing a permanent 30-day approval timeline for medical cannabis registry program applications.

• Eliminates previous removal from registry program for violations as a denial criterion, allowing patients previously removed to reapply 12 months after revocation.

• Creates civil liability for violations of medical cannabis protections, providing patients with $2,000 presumed damages per violation or actual damages (whichever is greater) plus reasonable attorney fees, and authorizes injunctive relief actions.

• Prohibits retaliation by schools, landlords, health care facilities, and employers against patients asserting rights and remedies under medical cannabis protections.

• Establishes an affirmative criminal defense for individuals charged with marijuana possession who are enrolled in the medical cannabis registry program or are visiting patients authorized under another jurisdiction's medical marijuana laws.