CONCORD, NH – NH Department of Health and Human Services on Nov. 2 began accepting applications for the Therapeutic Cannabis Program from potentially qualifying patients and designated caregivers as part of a pre-registration period.
Applications are being accepted and reviewed for approval during the pre-registration period. Registry identification cards are not being issued at this time. Registry identification cards will be issued when the Alternative Treatment Center (ATC) that a qualifying patient has selected becomes authorized by the Therapeutic Cannabis Program to begin dispensing cannabis.
The four approved Alternative Treatment Centers in New Hampshire are expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2016.
The Therapeutic Cannabis Program will send a letter to applicants who apply to become Qualifying Patients or Designated Caregivers, letting them know if their applications have been approved.
The list of qualifying medical conditions for the therapeutic use of cannabis is established by law in RSA 126-X:1, IX(a), as follows:
Qualifying medical condition” means the presence of:*
(1) Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, hepatitis C currently receiving antiviral treatment, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pancreatitis, spinal cord injury or disease, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, lupus, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or one or more injuries that significantly interferes with daily activities as documented by the patient’s provider; AND
(2) A severely debilitating or terminal medical condition or its treatment that has produced at least one of the following: elevated intraocular pressure, cachexia, chemotherapy-induced anorexia, wasting syndrome, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, severe pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures or for which other treatment options produced serious side effects, constant or severe nausea, moderate to severe vomiting, seizures, or severe, persistent muscle spasms. *Note that HB 476 (Chapter 195 of the Laws of 2015) added epilepsy, lupus, and Parkinson’s disease to the definition of “qualifying medical condition” and clarified the description of Alzheimer’s disease.
“Applying for therapeutic cannabis registry cards is an important next step in the process for individuals who are in need and suffering from serious medical conditions and want to participate in the Therapeutic Cannabis Program,” said DHHS Commissioner Nick Toumpas. “The pre-registration period is intended to give potentially qualifying patients and designated caregivers ample time to work with their providers to get registered before the dispensaries are open for business.”
The application materials and updated program information, including applications for qualifying patients, applications for designated caregivers and the written certification for medical providers, are now available on the program’s website.
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