S.B. No. 261 Summary

• Consolidates medical marijuana regulation under a single Division of Marijuana Control in the Department of Commerce, transferring authority from the State Board of Pharmacy within 60 days of enactment.

• Expands qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana to include opioid use disorder, arthritis, migraines, autism spectrum disorder, spasticity, chronic muscle spasms, hospice care, terminal illness, and any condition a recommending physician determines may benefit from medical marijuana.

• Allows physicians to recommend medical marijuana via telemedicine and permits dispensaries to advertise medical marijuana on social media without prior approval from the division.

• Establishes two levels of cultivator licenses (Level I up to 50,000 square feet; Level II up to 6,000 square feet) with provisions for facility expansion based on patient demand and market data.

• Adds temporary employment badges for individuals awaiting criminal records check results and permits the medical director of a dispensary to recommend medical marijuana if certified by the state medical board.