House Bill 1324 Summary

• Establishes the "Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act" authorizing registered qualifying patients with debilitating medical conditions to possess up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis every 14 days from state-licensed dispensaries

• Creates regulatory framework with Department of Health and Senior Services overseeing patient registration, Department of Agriculture regulating up to 9 cultivation centers, and Department of Insurance regulating up to 60 dispensing organizations across the state

• Requires physicians to conduct in-person examinations and establish bona fide physician-patient relationships before issuing written certifications; prohibits physicians from accepting remuneration from cannabis organizations

• Provides legal protections for registered patients, caregivers, cultivators, and dispensary employees from arrest and prosecution while imposing restrictions on cannabis use in schools, vehicles, public places, and around minors

• Imposes 7% surcharge on medical cannabis sales by cultivation centers deposited into a dedicated Compassionate Use Fund; program automatically sunsets after 6 years unless reauthorized by the legislature