HB 1213 Summary

• Creates new section 19-24.1-04.1 allowing the Department of Health to waive criminal history record check requirements for registered designated caregivers assisting patients with terminal illness, provided the caregiver attests they have no drug-related misdemeanor or felony convictions within five years; such cards are valid for up to six months.

• Amends controlled substance penalties to exclude marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from most felony provisions, creating specific possession amounts and penalties for these substances ranging from infractions (less than 0.5 ounces marijuana or 2 grams THC) to misdemeanors and felonies for larger amounts.

• Modifies medical marijuana program definitions and procedures including removal of hashish from hallucinogenic substances list, updates to allowable possession amounts for patients, and clarification of designated caregiver responsibilities for patients with terminal illness.

• Allows compassion centers (manufacturing facilities and dispensaries) to amend registration certificates for location changes and organizational restructuring with 60-day advance notice, and permits department to authorize additional structures within 500 feet of original location.

• Changes inventory discrepancy reporting requirement from "immediately" to "within seventy-two hours" for compassion centers and adds language to require notification to law enforcement and the department; declares bill an emergency measure.