An Act To Establish the Maine Medical Marijuana Act Transmitted to the Clerk of the 124th Maine Legislature by the Secretary of State on March 4, 2009, and ordered printed. Printed on rccyc:leJ pnp!!r I7/~d:: /11. mil£~{
Maine Legislature, Session 124, LD 0975
Amends: 17-A MRSA §1111-A, 22 MRSA §2383-B

Legislative Document 
No. 975 
LB.2 
House of Representatives, March 10, 2009 
An Act To Establish the Maine Medical Marijuana Act 
Transmitted to the Clerk of the 124th Maine Legislature by the Secretary of State on March 
4, 2009, and ordered printed. 
Printed on rccyc:leJ pnp!!r 
'I7/~d:: /11. mil£~{ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
~'= 
\1 ~C"<o" 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 15 MRS A §5821-A, as enacted by IB 1999, c. I, §3, is amended to read: 
§5821-A. Property not subject to forfeiture based on medical use of marijuana 
Beginning January 1, 1999, property Property is not subject to forfeiture under this 
chapter if the activity that subjects the person's property to forfeiture is possession 
medical use of marijuana and the person meets the requirements for medical use of 
----marijuanaunder Title 22, section 2383 B,subsection 5 chapter 558-C;-
Sec. 2. 17-A MRSA §1111-A, sub-§I, as amended by PL 2001, c. 383, § 135 and 
affected by § 156, is further amended to read: 
1. 
As used in this section the term "drug paraphernalia" means all equipment, 
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products and materials of any kind that are used or intended for use in planting, 
p[9P1!gating, cultivating, growing, haryestiTlg, manufacturing, compounding, converting, 
producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, 
containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the 
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human body a scheduled drug in violation of this chapter or Title 22, section 2383, except 
that this section does not apply to a person who is authorized to possess marijuana for 
medical use pursuant to Title 22, section 2383 B, subsection 5 chapter 558-C, to the 
extent the drug paraphernalia is required used for that person's medical use of marijuana. 
It includes, but is not limited to: 
A. 
Kits used or intended for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing or 
harvesting of any species of plant which is a scheduled drug or. from which a 
scheduled drug can be derived; 
B. 
Kits used or intended for use in manufacturing, compounding, converting, 
producing, processing or preparing scheduled drugs; 
C. 
Isomerization devices used or intended for use in increasing the potency of any 
species of plant that is a scheduled drug; 
D. 
Testing equipment used or intended for use in identifying or in analyzing the 
strength, effectiveness or purity of scheduled drugs; 
E. 
Scales and balances used or intended for use in weighing or measuring scheduled 
drugs; 
F. 
Dilutents and adulterants, such as quinine hydrochloride, mannitol, mannite, 
dextrose and lactose, used or intended for use in cutting scheduled drugs; 
G. 
Separation gins and sifters, used or intended for use in removing twigs and seeds 
from, or in otherwise cleaning or refining, marijuana; 
H. 
Blenders, bowls, containers, spoons and mixing devices used or intended for use 
in compounding scheduled drugs; 
I. 
Capsules, balloons, envelopes and other containers used or intended for use in 
packaging small quantities of scheduled drugs; 
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Containers and other objects used or intended for lise in storing or concealing 
scheduled drugs; and 
K. 
Objects used or intended for use in ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing 
marijuana, cocaine, hashish or hashish oil into the human body, such as: 
(I) Metal, wooden, acrylic, glass, stone, plastic or ceramic pipes with or without 
screens, permanent screens, hashish heads or punctured metal bowls; 
(2) Water pipes; 
(3) Carburet ion tubes and devices; 
(4) Smoking and carburetion masks; 
(5) 
Roach clips, meaning objects used to hold burning material, such as a 
marijuana cigarette that has become too small or too short to be held in the hand; 
(6) Miniature cocaine spoons and cocaine vials; 
(7) Chamber pipes; 
(8) Carburetor pipes; 
(9) Electric pipes; 
(10) Air-driven pipes; 
(11) Chillums; 
(12) Bongs; or 
(13) Ice pipes or chillers. 
Sec. 3. 22 MRS A §2383, sub-§l, as amended by PL 2005, c. 386, Pt. DO, §3, is 
fUliher amended to read: 
1. Marijuana. Except as provided in section 2383 g, subsection 5 chapter 558-C, a 
person may not possess marijuana. 
A. 
A person who possesses a usable amount of marijuana commits a civil violation 
for which a fine of not less than $350 and not more than $600 must be adjudged, 
none of which may be suspended. 
B. 
A person who possesses a usable amount of marijuana after having previously 
violated this subsection within a 6-year period commits a civil violation for which a 
fine of $550 must be adjudged, none of which may be suspended. 
Sec. 4. 
MRSA §2383-B, sub-§5, as amended by PL 200 I, c. 580, §3, IS 
repealed. 
Sec. 5. 22 MRSA c.558-Cisenacfedto read: 
CHAPTER 558-C 
MAINE MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT 
§2421. Short title 
This chapter may be known and cited as "the Maine Medical Marijuana Act." 
§2422. Definitions 
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms 
have the following meanings. 
1. Cardholder. "Cardholder" means a qualifying patient, a primary caregiver or a 
principal officer, board member, employee or agent of a nonprofit dispensary who has 
been issued and possesses a valid registry identification card. 
2. Debilitating medical condition. "Debilitating medical condition" means: 
A. Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired 
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immune deficiency syndrome, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn's 
disease, agitation of Alzheimer's disease, nail-patella syndrome or the treatment of 
these conditions; 
B. 
A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that 
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produces intractable pain, which is pain that has not responded to ordinary medical or 
surgical measures for more than 6 months; 
C. 
A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that 
produces one or more of the following: cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe nausea; 
seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy; or severe and 
persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those characteristic of multiple 
sclerosis; or 
D. 
Any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the department as 
provided for in section 2424, subsection 2. 
3. 
Enclosed, locked facilitv. "Enclosed, locked facility" means a closet, room, 
greenhouse or other enclosed area equipped with locks or other security devices that 
permit access only by a cardholder. 
4. Felony drug offense. "Felony drug offense" means a violation of a state or federal 
controlled substance law that was classified as a felony in the jurisdiction where the 
person was convicted. It does not include: 
A. An offense for which the sentence, including any term of probation, incarceration 
or supervised release, was completed 10 or more years earlier; or 
B. An offense that consisted of conduct that would have been permitted under this 
chapter. 
5. 
Medical use. "Medical use" means the acqUISItIOn, possession, cultivation, 
manufacture, use, delivelY, transfer or. transpOliation of marijuana or paraphernalia 
relating to the administration of marijuana to treat or alleviate a registered qualifying 
patient's debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with the patient's 
debilitating medical condition. 
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6. 
Nonprofit dispensary. 
"Nonprofit dispensary" means a not-for-profit entity 
registered under section 2428 that acquires, possesses, cultivates, manufactures, delivers, 
transfers, transports, sells, supplies or dispenses marijuana or related supplies and 
educational materials to cardholders. A nonprofit dispensary is a primary caregiver. 
7. Physician. "Physician" means a person licensed as an osteopathic physician by the 
Board of Osteopathic Licensure pursuant to Title 32, chapter 36 or a person licensed as a 
physician or surgeon by the Board of Licensure in Medicine pursuant to Title 32, chapter 
48. 
8. Primary caregiver. "Primary caregiver" means a person who is at least 21 years 
of age who has agreed to assist with a qualifying patient's medical use of marijuana and 
who has never been convicted of a felony drug offense. Unless the primary caregiver is a 
nonprofit dispensary, the primalY caregiver may assist no more than 5 qualifying patients 
with their medical use of marijuana. 
9. Qualifying patient. "Qualifying patient" means a person who has been diagnosed 
by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition. 
10. Registered nonprofit dispensary. "Registered nonprofit dispensary" means a 
nonprofit dispensary that is registered by the depaliment pursuant to section 2428, 
subsection 2, paragraph A. 
11. 
Registered primary caregiver. 
"Registered primary caregiver" means a 
primary caregiver who is registered by the department pursuant to section 2425, 
subsection 4. 
12. 
Registered qualifying patient. 
"Registered qualifying patient" means a 
qualifying patient who is registered by the department pursuant to section 2425, 
subsection I. 
13. Registry identification canl. "Registry identification card" means a document 
issued by the depat1ment that identifies a person as a registered qualifying patient, 
registered primary caregiver or a principal officer, board member, employee or agent of a 
nonprofit dispensary, 
14. Usable marijuana. "Usable marijuana" means the dried leaves and flowers of 
the marijuana plant, and any mixture or preparation of those dried leaves and flowers, but 
does not include the seeds, stalks and roots of the plant and does not include the weight of 
other ingredients in marijuana prepared for consumption as food. 
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15. Visiting qualifying patient. "Visiting qualifying patient" means a patient with a 
debilitating medical condition who is not a resident of this State or who has been a 
resident of this State less than 30 days. 
16. Written certification. "Written celiification" means a document signed by a 
physician and stating that in the physician's professional opinion a patient is likely to 
receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from the medical use of marijuana to treat or 
alleviate the patient's debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with the 
debilitating medical condition, A written cel1ification may be made only in the course of 
a bona fide physician-patient relationship after the physician has completed a full 
assessment of the qualifying patient's medical history. The written celiification must 
specify the qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition. 
§2423. Protections for the medical use of mariiuana 
1. Qualifying patient. A qualifying patient who has been issued and possesses a 
registry identification card may not be subject to arrest, prosecution or penalty in any 
manner or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to a civil penalty or 
disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or 
bureau, for the medical use of marijuana in accordance with this chapter as long as the 
qualifying patient possesses an amount of marijuana that: 
A. Is not more than 2 1/2 ounces of usable marijuana; and 
B. If the qualifying patient has not specified that a primary caregiver is allowed 
under state law to cultivate marijuana for the qualifying patient, does not exceed 6 
marijuana plants, which must be kept in an enclosed, locked facility unless they are 
being transported because the qualifying patient is moving or they are being 
transported to the qualifying patient's property. 
2. Primary caregiver. A primary caregiver, other than a nonprofit dispensary, who 
has been issued and possesses a registry identification card may not be subject to arrest, 
prosecution or penalty in any manner or denied any right or privilege, including but not 
limited to a civil penalty or disciplinalY action by a business or occupational or 
professional licensing board or bureau, for assisting a qualifying patient to whom the 
primary caregiver is connected through the depaliment's registration process with the 
medical use of marijuana in accordance with this chapter as long as the primary caregiver 
possesses an amount of marijuana that: 
A. Is not more than 2 1/2 ounces of usable marijuana for each qualifying patient to 
whom the primary caregiver is connected through the department's registration 
process; and 
B. 
For each qualifying patient who has specified that the primary caregiver is 
allowed under state law to cultivate marijuana for the qualifying patient, does not 
exceed 6 marijuana plants, which must be kept in an enclosed, locked facility unless 
they are being transported because the primary caregiver is moving. 
3. Incidental amount of marijuana. Any incidental amount of seeds, stalks and 
unusable roots must be allowed and may not be included in the amounts specified in this 
section. 
4. 
Presumption. . There is a presumption that a qualifying patient or primalY 
caregiver is engaged in the medical use of marijuana in accordance with this chapter if 
the qualifying patient or primary caregiver: 
A. Is in possession of a registry identification card; and 
B. 
Is in possession of an amount of marijuana that does not exceed the amount 
allowed under this chapter. 
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The presumption may be rebutted by evidence that conduct related to marijuana was not 
for the purpose of treating or alleviating the qualifying patient's debilitating medical 
condition or symptoms associated with the debilitating medical condition in accordance 
with this chapter. 
5. Cardholder not subject to arrest. A cardholder may not be subject to arrest, 
prosecution or penalty in any manner or denied any right or privilege, including but not 
limited to a civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or 
professional licensing board or bureau, for giving an amount of marijuana the person is 
allowed to possess under subsection 1 or 2 to a cardholder for the registered qualifying 
patient's medical use when nothing of value is transferred in return or for offering to do 
the same. 
6. School, employer or landlord may not discriminate. A school, employer or 
landlord may not refuse to enroll or employ or lease to or otherwise penalize a person 
solely for that person's status as a registered qualifying patient or a registered primary 
caregiver unless failing to do so would put the school, employer or landlord in violation 
of federal law or cause it to lose a federal contract or funding. 
7. Person may not be denied custody or visitation of minor. A person may not be 
denied custody or visitation of a minor for acting in accordance with this chapter unless 
the person's behavior is such that it creates an unreasonable danger to the minor that can 
be clearly articulated and substantiated. 
8. 
Registered primary caregiver may receive compensation for costs. A 
registered primary caregiver may receive compensation for costs associated with assisting 
a registered qualifying patient's medical use of marijuana as long as the registered 
primary caregiver is connected to the registered qualifying patient through the 
depm1ment's registration process. Any such compensation does not constitute the sale of 
controlled substances. 
9. 
Physician not subject to penalty. A physician may not be subject to arrest, 
prosecution or penalty in any manner or denied any right or privilege, including but not 
limited to a civil penalty or c1isciplinaty action by the Board of Licensure in Medicine or 
the Board of Osteopathic Licensure or by any other business or occ'upational or 
professional licensing board or bureau, solely for providing written cel1ifications or for 
otherwise stating that, in the physician'S professional opinion, a patient is likely to receive 
therapeutic benefit from the medical use of marijuana to treat or alleviate the patient's 
debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with the debilitating medicaI 
condition except that nothing prevents a professional licensing board from sanctioning a 
physician for failing to properly evaluate a patient's medical condition or otherwise 
violating the standard of care for evaluating medical conditions. 
10. Person not subject to penalty for providing registered qualifying patient or 
registered primary caregiver marijuana paraphernalia. A person may not be subject 
to arrest, prosecution or penalty in any manner or denied any right or privilege, including 
but not limited to a civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or 
professional licensing board or bureau, for providing a registered qualifying patient or a 
registered primary caregiver with marijuana paraphernalia for purposes of a qualifying 
patient's medical use of marijuana. 
11. Property not subject to forfeiture. Any marijuana, marijuana paraphemalia, 
licit propel1y or interest in licit propeliy that is possessed, owned or used in connection 
with the medical use of marijuana, as allowed under this chapter, or propelty incidental to 
such use, may not be seized or forfeited. 
12. 
Person not subject to penalty for being in presence of medical use of 
marijuana. A person may not be subject to arrest, prosecution or penalty in any manner 
or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to a civil penalty or disciplinalY 
action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau, simply for 
being in the presence or vicinity of the medical use of marijuana as allowed under this 
chapter or for assisting a registered qualifying patient with using or administering 
marijuana. 
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13. 
Effect of registry identification card issued by another jurisdiction. A 
registry identification card, or its equivalent, that is issued under the laws of another state, 
district, territory, commonwealth or insular possession of the United States that allows the 
medical use of marijuana by a visiting qualifying patient has the same force and effect as 
a registry identification card issued by the depaliment. 
§2424. Rules 
1. Rulemaking. The department may adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this 
chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in 
Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. 
2. 
Adding debilitating medical conditions. Not later than 120 days after the 
effective date of this chapter, the department shall adopt rules that govern the manner in 
which the department shall consider petitions from the public to add medical conditions 
or treatments to the list of debilitating medical conditions set forth in section 2422, 
subsection 2. In considering such petitions, the department shall include public notice of, 
and an opportunity to comment in a public hearing upon, such petitions. The department 
shall, after hearing, approve or deny such petitions within 180 days of their submission. 
The approval or denial of such a petition constitutes final agency action, subject to 
judicial review. Jurisdiction and venue for judicial review are vested in the Superior 
Court. 
3. Registry identification cards. Not later than 120 days after the effective date of 
this chapter, the department shall adopt rules governing the manner in which it considers 
applications for and renewals of registry identification cards. The department's rules must 
establish application and renewal fees that generate revenues sufficient to offset all 
expenses of implementing and administering this chapter. The department may establish a 
sliding scale of application and renewal fees based upon a qualifying patient's family 
income. The department may accept donations from private sources in order to reduce the 
application and renewal fees. 
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§2425. Registry identification cards 
1. Application for registry identification card; qualifications. The department 
shall issue registry identification cards to qualifying patients who submit the documents 
and information described in this subsection, in accordance with the department's rules: 
A. Written certification; 
B. Application or renewal fee; 
C. 
Name, address and date of bilih of the qualifying patient, except that if the 
applicant is homeless, no address is required; 
D. Name, address and telephone number of the qualifying patient's physician; 
E. 
Name, address and date of birth of each primalY caregiver, if any, of the 
qualifying patient. A qualifying patient may designate only one primary caregiver 
unless the qualifying patient is under 18 years of age and requires a parent to serve as 
a primary caregiver or the qualifying patient designates a nonprofit dispensary to 
cultivate marijuana for the qualifying patient's medical use and the qualifying patient 
requests the assistance of a second caregiver to assist with the qualifying patient's 
medical use; and 
F. If the qualifying patient designates one or 2 primary caregivers, a designation as to 
who will be allowed under state law to cultivate marijuana plants for the qualifying 
patient's medical use. Only one person may be allowed to cultivate marijuana plants 
for a qualifying patient. 
2. Issuing registry identification card to minor. The department may not issue a 
registry identification card to a qualifying patient who is under 18 years of age unless: 
A. The qualifying patient's physician has explained the potential risks and benefits of 
the medical use of marijuana to the qualifying patient and to a parent, guardian or 
person having legal custody of the qualifying patient; and 
B. The parent, guardian or person having legal custody consents in writing to: 
(1) Allow the qualifying patient's medical use of marijuana; 
(2) Serve as one of the qualifying patient's primary caregivers; and 
(3) Control the acquisition of the marijuana, the dosage and the frequency of the 
medical use of marijuana by the qualifying patient. 
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3. Department approval or denial. The depaliment shall verify the information 
contained in an application or renewal submitted pursuant to this section and shall 
approve or deny an application or renewal within 30 days of receiving it. The department 
may deny an application or renewal only if the applicant did not provide the infOImation 
required pursuant to this section or the department determines that the information 
provided was falsified. Rejection of an application or renewal is considered a final agency 
action, subject to judicial review. Jurisdiction and venue for judicial review are vested in 
the Superior COUli. 
Pugt: 8 - 124LRI935(OI)-1 
4. Primary caregiver registry identification card. The department shall issue a 
registry identification card to each primary caregiver, if any, who is named in a qualifying 
patient's approved application pursuant to subsection I, paragraph E. Only one person 
may cultivate marijuana for the qualifying patient's medical use, who is determined based 
solely on the qualifying patient's preference. That person may either be the qualifying 
patient or one of the 2 primary caregivers. 
5. 
Registry identification card issuance. The department shall issue registry 
identification cards to qualifying patients and to primary caregivers within 5 days of 
approving an application or renewal under this section. RegistlY identification cards 
expire one year after the date of issuance. Registry identification cards must contain: 
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A. The name, address and date of birth of the qualifying patient; 
B. The name, address and date of birth of each primary caregiver, if any, of the 
qualifying patient; 
C. The date of issuance and expiration date of the registry identification card; 
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D. A random identification number that is unique to the cardholder; 
E. A photograph, if the department decides to require one; and 
F. A clear designation showing whether the cardholder will be allowed under state 
law to cultivate marijuana plants for the qualifying patient's medical use, which must 
be determined based solely on the qualifying patient's preference. 
6. 
Notification of changes in status or loss of card. This subsection governs 
notification of changes in status or the loss of a registry identification card. 
A. A registered qualifying patient shall notify the depal1ment within 10 days of any 
change in the registered qualifying patient's name, address, primary caregiver or 
preference regarding who may cultivate marijuana for the registered qualifying 
patient or if the registered qualifying patient ceases to have a debilitating medical 
condition. 
B. A registered qualifying patient who fails to notify the depaJ1ment as required 
under paragraph A commits a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $150 
may be adjudged. If the registered qualifying patient's cel1ifying physician notifies 
the depal1ment in writing that the registered qualifying patient has ceased to suffer 
from a debilitating medical condition, the registered qualifying patient's registry 
identification card becomes void upon notification by the depal1ment to the 
qualifying patient. 
C. A registered primary caregiver shall notify the department of any change in the 
caregiver's name or address within 10 days of such change. A registered primary 
caregiver who fails to notify the depaJ1ment of any of these changes commits a civil 
violation for which a fine of not more than $150 may be adjudged. 
D. When a registered qualifying patient or registered primary caregiver notifies the 
depaJ1ment of any changes listed in this subsection, the depaJ1ment shall issue the 
registered qualifying patient and each registered primary caregiver a new registry 
identification card within 10 days of receiving the updated information and a $10 fee. 
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E. 
When a registered qualifying patient changes the patient's registered primary 
caregiver, the depaliment shall notify the old primary caregiver within 10 days. The 
old primary caregiver's protections as provided in this chapter expire 10 days after 
notification by the dcpaliment. 
F. 
If a cardholder loses the cardholder's registry identification card, the cardholder 
shall notify the department and submit a $10 fee within 10 days of losing the card. 
Within 5 days after such notification, the department shall issue a new registry 
identification card with a new random identification number. 
7. 
Possession of or application for card not probable cause for search. 
Possession of, or application for, a registry identification card does not constitute 
probable cause or reasonable suspicion, nor may it be used to support the search of the 
person or property of the person possessing or applying for the registry identification 
card. The possession of, or application for, a registry identification card does not prevent 
the issuance of a warrant if probable cause exists on other grounds. 
8. Confidentiality. This subsection governs confidentiality. 
A. Applications and supporting information submitted by qualifying patients under 
this chapter, including information regarding their primary caregivers and physicians, 
are confidential. 
B. 
Applications and supporting information submitted by primary caregivers 
operating in compliance with this chapter, including the physical address of a 
nonprofit dispensary, are confidential. 
C. The depaliment shall maintain a confidential list of the persons to whom the 
department has issued registry identification cards. Individtial names and other 
identifying information on the list are confidential, exempt from the freedom of 
access laws, Title 1, chapter 13, and not subject to disclosure except to authorized 
employees of the department as necessary to perform official duties of the 
@partment. 
D. The depaliment shall verify to law enforcement personnel whether a registry 
identification card is valid without disclosing more information than is reasonably 
necessary to verify the authenticity of the registry identification card. 
E. 
A person. including an employee or official of the department or another state 
agency or local government, who breaches the confidentiality of information obtained 
pursuant to this chapter commits a Class E crime. Notwithstanding this subsection, 
depaliment employees may notify law enforcement about falsified or fraudulent 
information submitted to the department as long as the employee who suspects that 
falsified or fraudulent information has been submitted confers with the employee's 
supervisor and both agree that circumstances exist that warrant rep01iing. 
9. 
Cardholder who sells marijuana to person not allowed to possess. Any 
cardholder who sells marijuana to a person who is not allowed to possess marijuana for 
medical purposes under this chapter must have that cardholder's registry identification 
card revoked and is liable for any other penalties for the sale of marijuana. The 
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department may revoke the registlY identification card of any cardholder who violates 
this chapter, and the cardholder is liable for any other penalties for the violation. 
10. Annual report. The department shall submit to the Legislature an annual report 
that does not disclose any identifying information about cardholders or physicians, but 
does contain, at a minimum: 
A. The number of applications and renewals filed for registlY identification cards; 
B. 
The number of qualifying patients and primary caregivers approved in each 
county; 
C. The nature of the debilitating medical conditions of the qualifying patients; 
D. The number of registry identification cards revoked; 
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E. The number of physicians providing written certifications for qualifying patients; 
F. The number of registered nonprofit dispensaries; and 
G. 
The number of principal officers, board members, employees and agents of 
nonprofit dispensaries. 
§2426. Scope 
1. Limitations. This chapter does not permit any person to: 
A. 
Undertake any task under the influence of marijuana when doing so would 
constitute negligence or professional malpractice; 
B. Possess marijuana or otherwise engage in the medical use of marijuana: 
(]) In a school bus; 
(2) On the grounds of any preschool or primary or secondary school; or 
(3) In any correctional facility; 
C. Smoke marijuana: 
(1) On any form of public transportation; or 
(2) In any public place; 
D. Operate, navigate or be in actual physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft or 
motorboat while under the influence of marijuana; or 
E. Use marijuana ifthat person does not have a debilitating medical condition. 
2. Construction. This chapter may not be construed to require: 
A. A government medical assistance program or private health insurer to reimburse a 
person for costs associated with the medical use of marijuana; or . 
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B. An employer to accommodate the ingestion of marijuana in any workplace or any 
employee working while under the influence of marijuana. 
3. 
Penalty for fraudulent representation. Fraudulent representation to a law 
enforcement official of any fact or circumstance relating to the medical use of marijuana 
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to avoid arrest or prosecution is a civil violation punishable by a fine of $500, which must 
be in addition to any other penalties that may apply for making a false statement or for 
the use of marijuana other than use undel1aken pursuant to this chapter. 
§2427. Affirmative defense and dismissal for medical marijuana 
1. Affirmative defense. Except as provided in section 2426, a qualifying patient and 
a qualifying patient's primaty caregiver, other than a nonprofit dispensalY, may assert the 
medical purpose for using marijuana as a defense to any prosecution involving marijuana, 
and this defense must be presumed valid where theevidence shows that: 
A. A physician has stated that, in the physician's professional opinion, after having 
completed a full assessment of the qualifying patient's medical history and current 
medical condition made in the course of a bona fide physician-patient relationship, 
the qualifying patient is likely to receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from the 
medical use of marijuana to treat or alleviate the qualifying patient's debilitating 
medical condition or symptoms associated with the qualifying patient's debilitating 
medical condition; 
B. The qualifying patient and the qualifying patient's primary caregiver, if any, were 
collectively in possession of a quantity of marijuana that was not more than was 
reasonably necessary to ensure the uninterrupted availability of marijuana for the 
purpose of treating or alleviating the qualifying patient's debilitating medical 
condition or symptoms associated with the qualifying patient's debilitating medical 
condition; and 
C. The qualifying patient and the qualifying patient's primary caregiver, if any, were 
engaged. in the acqliisition, possession, cultivation, manufacture, use, delivery, 
transfer or transportation of marijuana or paraphernalia relating to the administration 
of marijuana solely to treat or alleviate the qualifying patient's debilitating medical 
condition or symptoms associated with the qualifying patient's debilitating medical 
condition. 
2. Motion to dismiss. A person may assel1 the medical purpose for using marijuana 
in a Illotion to dismiss, and the charges must be dismissed following an evidentiary 
hearing where the person proves the elements listed in subsection I. 
3. No sanction for medical use of marijuana. If a qualifying patient or a qualifying 
patient's primary caregiver demonstrates the qualifying patient's medical purpose for 
usingmarijuana pursuant to this section, the qualifying patient and the qualifying patient's 
primary caregiver may not be subject, for the qualifying patient's medical use of 
marijuana, to any state sanction, including: 
A. Disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board 
or bureau; and 
B. Forfeiture of any interest in or right to property. 
§2428. Nonprofit dispensaries 
1. Provisions pertaining to primary caregiver apply to nonprofit dispensary. 
All provisions of this chapter pertaining to a primary caregiver apply to a nonprofit 
dispensary unless they conflict with a provision contained in this section. 
2. 
Registration requirements. This subsection governs the registration of a 
nonprofit dispensary. 
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A. 
The department shall register a nonprofit dispensary and issue a registration 
certificate within 30 days to any person or entity that provides: 
(1) A fee paid to the department in the amount of $5,000; 
(2) The legal name of the nonprofit dispensary; 
(3) The physical address of the nonprofit dispensary and the physical address of 
one additional location, if any, where marijuana will be cultivated; 
(4) The name, address and date of birth of each principal officer and board 
member of the nonprofit dispensary; and 
(5) The name, address and date of birth of any person who is an agent of or 
employed by the nonprofit dispensaJY. 
B. 
The department shall track the number of registered qualifying patients who 
designate a nonprofit dispensary as a primary caregiver and issue to each nonprofit 
dispensary a written statement of the number of qualifying patients who have 
designated the nonprofit dispensary to cultivate marijuana for them. This statement 
must be updated each time a new registered qualifying patient designates the 
nonprofit dispensaJY or ceases to designate the nonprofit dispensary and may be 
transmitted electronically if the depaJiment's rules so provide. The department may 
provide by rule that the updated written statements may not be issued more frequently 
than once each week. 
C. 
The department shall issue each principal officer, board member, agent and 
employee of a nonprofit dispensary a registry identification card within 10 days of 
receipt of the person's name, address and date of birth under paragraph A and a fee in 
an amount established by the department. Each card must specify that the cardholder 
is a principal officer, board member, agent or employee of a nonprofit dispensary and 
must contain~ 
(1) The name, address and date of biIih of the principal officer, board member, 
agent or employee; 
(2) The legal name of the nonprofit dispensary with which the principal officer, 
board member, agent or employee is affiliated; 
(3) A random identification numberthat is unique to the cardholder; 
(4) The date of issuance and expiration date of the registry identification card; 
and 
(5) A photograph, if the department decides to require one. 
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D. 
The depaIiment may not issue a registry identification card to any principal 
officer, board member, agent or employee of a nonprofit dispensary who has been 
convicted of a felony drug offense. The depaIiment may conduct a background check 
of each principal officer, board member, agent or employee in order to carry out this 
provision. The depaIiment shall notify the nonprofit dispensary in writing of the 
purpose for denying the registry identification card. 
3. 
Rules. Not later than 120 days after the effective date of this chapter, the 
department shall adopt rules governing the manner in which it considers applications for 
and renewals of registration certificates for nonprofit dispensaries, including rules 
governing: 
A. The form and content of registration and renewal applications; 
B. Minimum oversight requirements for nonprofit dispensaries; 
C. Minimum record-keeping requirements for nonprofit dispensaries; 
D. Minimum security requirements for nonprofit dispensaries; and 
E. Procedures for suspending or terminating the registration of nonprofit dispensaries 
that violate the provisions of this section or the rules adopted pursuant to this 
su bsection. 
4. 
Expiration. A nonprofit dispensary registration certificate and the registry 
identification card for each principal officer, board member, agent or employee expire 
one year after the date of issuance. The depaIiment shall issue a renewal nonprofit 
dispensary registration celiificate and renewal registry identification cards within \ 0 days 
to any person who complies with the requirements contained in subsection 2. A registry 
identification card of a principal officer, board member, agent or employee expires 10 
days after notification by a nonprofit dispensary that such person ceases to work at the 
nonprofit dispensary. 
5. Inspection. A nonprofit dispensary is subject to reasonable inspection by the 
depaliment. The depaIiment shall give reasonable notice of an inspection under this 
subsection. 
6. Nonprofit dispensary requirements. This subsection governs the operations of 
nonprofit dispensaries. 
A. A nonprofit dispensary must be operated on a not-for-profit basis for the mutual 
benefit of its members and patrons. The bylaws of a nonprofit dispensary and its 
contracts with patrons must contain such provisions relative to the disposition of 
revenues and receipts as may be necessalY and appropriate to establish and maintain 
its nonprofit character. 
A nonprofit dispensalY need not be recognized as a tax-
exempt organization under 26 United States Code, Section 501(c)(3) and is not 
required to incorporate pursuant to Title \3-B. 
B. A nonprofit dispensary may not be located within 500 feet of the propelty line of 
a preexisting public or private school. 
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C. A nonprofit dispensary shall notify the department within 10 days of when a 
principal officer, board member, agent or employee ceases to work at the nonprofit 
dispensary. 
D. A nonprofit dispensary shall notify the department in writing of the name, address 
and date of birth of any new principal officer, board member, agent or employee and 
shall submit a fee in an amount established by the department for a new registry 
identification card before the new principal officer, board member, agent or employee 
begins working at the nonprofit dispensary. 
E. A nonprofit dispensary shall implement appropriate security measures to deter and 
prevent unauthorized entrance into areas containing marijuana and the theft of 
marIJuana. 
F. The operating documents of a nonprofit dispensary must include procedures for 
the oversight of the nonprofit dispensary and procedures to ensure accurate record 
keeping. 
G. 
A nonprofit dispensary is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, cultivating, 
manufacturing, delivering, transferring, transporting, supplying or dispensing 
marijuana for any purpose except to assist registered qualifying patients with the 
medical use of marijuana directly or through the registered qualifying patients' other 
primary caregivers. 
H. 
All principal officers and board members of a nonprofit dispensary must be 
residents of this State. 
r. All cultivation of marijuana must take place in an enclosed, locked facility. 
7. 
Maximum amount of medical marijuana to be dispensed. 
A nonprofit 
dispensary or a principal officer, board member, agent or employee of a nonprofit 
dispensary may not dispense more than 2 1/2 ounces of usable marijuana to a qualifying 
patient or to a primary caregiver on behalf of a qualifying patient during a IS-day period. 
8. Immunity. This subsection governs immunity for a nonprofit dispensary. 
A. 
A nonprofit dispensaIY may not be subject to prosecution, search, seizure or 
penalty in any manner or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to a 
civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional 
licensing board or entity, solely for acting in accordance with this section to provide 
usable marijuana to or to otherwise assist registered qualifying patients to whom it is 
connected through the depal1ment's registration process with the medical use of 
marijuana. 
B. 
Principal officers, board members, agents and employees of a registered 
nonprofit dispensary may not be subject to arrest, prosecution, search, seizure or 
penalty in any manner or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to a 
civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional 
licensing board or entity, solely for working for or with a nonprofit dispensalY to 
provide usable marijuana to or to otherwise assist registered qualifying patients to 
whom the nonprofit dispensary is connected through the department's registration 
process with the medical use of marijuana in accordance with this chapter. 
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9. Prohibitions. The prohibitions in this subsection apply to a nonprofit dispensaly. 
A. A nonprofit dispensary may not possess more than 6 live marijuana plants for 
each registered qualifying patient who has designated the nonprofit dispensary as a 
primary caregiver and designated that the dispensary will be permitted to cultivate 
marijuana for the registered qualifying patient's medical use. 
B. A nonprofit dispensary may not dispense, deliver or otherwise transfer marijuana 
to a person other than a qualifying patient who has designated the nonprofit 
dispensary as a primary caregiver or to the patient's other registered primary 
caregiver. 
C. 
The department shall immediately revoke the registry identification card of a 
principal officer, board member, employee or agent of a nonprofit dispensary who is 
found to have violated paragraph B, and such a person is disqualified from serving as 
a principal officer, board member, employee or agent of a nonprofit dispensary. 
D. A person who has been convicted of a felony drug offense may not be a principal 
officer, board member, agent or employee of a nonprofit dispensary. 
(1) A person who is employed by or is an agent, principal officer or board 
member of a nonprofit dispensary in violation of this paragraph commits a civil 
violation for which a fine of not more than $1,000 may be adjudged. 
(2) A person who is employed by or is an agent, principal officer or board 
member of a nonprofit dispensary in violation of this paragraph and who at the 
time of the violation has been previously found to have violated this paragraph 
commits a Class 0 crime. 
E. A nonprofit dispensary may not acquire usable marijuana or mature marijuana 
plants except through the cultivation of marijuana by that nonprofit dispensary. 
10. Local regulation. This chapter does not prohibit a political subdivision of this 
State from limiting the number of nonprofit dispensaries that may operate in the political 
subdivision or from enacting reasonable zoning regulations applicable to nonprofit 
dispensaries. 
§2429. Enfm"cement 
1. 
Department fails to adopt rules. If the department fails to adopt rules to 
implement this chapter within 120 days of the effective date of this chapter, a qualifying 
patient may commence an action in Superior COlllt to compel the department to perform 
the actions mandated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. 
2. Department fails to issue a valid registry identification card. If the department 
fails to issue a valid registry identification card or a registration certificate in response to 
a valid application or renewal submitted pursuant to this chapter within 45 days of its 
submission, the registry identification card or registration celtificate is deemed granted, 
and a copy of the registry identification application or renewal is deemed a valid registry 
identification card. 
3. Department fails to accept applications. If at any time after the 140 days 
following the effective date of this chapter the department is not accepting applications, 
including if it has not adopted rules allowing qualifying patients to submit applications, a 
notarized staterIlent by a qualifying patient containing the information required in an 
application, pursuant to section 2425, subsection 1, is deemed a valid registry 
identification card. 
SUMMARY 
Current law allows a person who has been diagnosed by a physician as suffering from 
certain medical conditions to possess marijuana for medical use. 
This initiated bill 
changes the description of the medical conditions for which the medical use of marijuana 
II 
is permitted. It directs the Department of Health and Human Services to issue registry 
identification cards to patients who qualifY to possess marijuana for medical use and to 
their designated primary caregivers. It sets limits on the amount of marijuana that may be 
possessed by qualifYing patients and their designated primary caregivers. It allows the 
establishment of nonprofit dispensaries to provide marijuana to qualifying patients and 
directs the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a registration celtificate to 
a nonprofit dispensary that meets certain criteria. It directs the Department of Health and 
Human Services to establish application and renewal fees sufficient to pay the expenses 
of implementing and administering the provisions of the initiated bill. 
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