The House Finance Division III of the New Hampshire Legislature convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss a significant bill concerning the therapeutic cannabis program. The meeting highlighted the bill's provisions, which allow registered cannabis cardholders to cultivate a limited number of plants at home, a topic that has been debated for several years.

The bill, which mirrors House Bill 53 previously passed by the House, proposes that patients can grow up to three mature plants, three immature plants, and twelve seedlings. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) does not take a formal position on the bill but noted that the Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board supports it, citing benefits such as increased patient access, lower costs, and greater strain availability.

Key safeguards are included in the bill, such as requiring patients or caregivers to report their cultivation locations to the DHHS, which can share this information with law enforcement under specific circumstances. The bill also stipulates that landlords can prohibit cultivation on leased properties.

Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the bill's attachment to a Medicaid funding bill, particularly about potential conflicts with federal law, as cannabis remains illegal at the federal level. However, officials indicated that the bill's provisions would not create significant fiscal impacts on the state, as the DHHS already manages the therapeutic cannabis program and can absorb any minor costs associated with implementing the new regulations.

The discussion also touched on privacy issues, with assurances that the cultivation information shared with law enforcement would not lead to indiscriminate targeting of individuals. Stakeholders have worked over the years to ensure that the language in the bill balances the needs of law enforcement with patient privacy.

As the bill progresses, it reflects ongoing efforts to expand access to therapeutic cannabis while addressing regulatory and safety concerns. The next steps will involve further legislative review and potential adjustments before final approval.