As Delaware gears up for adult-use cannabis, sales of which are set to kick off as soon as next year, the state could also dramatically expand its existing medical marijuana program.
A bill introduced in the legislature this week would remove the requirement that patients have one of a designated set of qualifying conditions, instead allowing doctors to recommend marijuana for any condition that they believe it could benefit. Additionally, patients 65 or older could self-certify their need for medical cannabis—without any need for a recommendation from a healthcare provider.
The bill, HB 285, was introduced Thursday by lead sponsor Rep. Ed Osienski (D) and three other sponsors. The measure also has also earned four additional co-sponsors, two in the House and two in the Senate. All are Democrats except co-sponsor Sen. Eric Buckson (R).
In addition to loosening restrictions for who could register for the state medical marijuana program, the proposal would also amend rules around expiration dates for registry cards. The measure, according to a legislative synopsis, would authorize regulators to issue cards with 2- or 3-year terms, instead of just the current one-year term.
Patients diagnosed with a terminal illness, meanwhile, could qualify for a card with
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