NH Compassion

Once the new bill language is approved by the House and Senate, it will move forward to the Governor's desk.  The House intends to vote June 24.  Here's the story.

There's probably no better description for where HB 648 currently stands.  This press release should provide a little more insight.

This well-written article by Lauren Dorgan for today's Monitor analyzes Attorney General Kelly Ayotte's letter opposing medical marijuana and discusses this 7-page response to Ayotte's letter.  (There is also a 2-page version of the response, if that is more convenient.)

Yesterday the House was expected to concur with the Senate's amendment to HB 648, which would have sent the bill forward to the Governor's desk.  However, that isn't what happened... Kevin Landrigan explains.

The Seacoast Online family of newspapers includes the Portsmouth Herald, the Exeter News-Letter, and the Hampton Union.  Today, Seacoast Online became the latest newspaper to go on record in favor of HB 648.  Here is an excerpt from today's editorial, "Senate's mixed results":

We can agree with [Portsmouth State Senator Martha Fuller] Clark when it comes to the bill she co-sponsored that would legalize medical marijuana and which the Senate passed, 14-10.

Thirteen states, including Maine, Vermont and Rhode Island, now allow medical marijuana use.

The bill would allow patients to possess six marijuana plants and two ounces of the drug, and their doctors would have to approve of it.

If the bill reaches the governor's desk, he should reject arguments that it would invite abuse and be difficult to regulate.

It is clear the drug eases pain and suffering for people with certain types of cancer and other severe illnesses. Signing it would be the compassionate thing to do.

Today, at a press conference, patients and advocates asked for Governor Lynch's support and unveiled the following TV ad featuring MS patient Sandra Drew:

Sunday's "NH Outlook" on NHPTV featured a moderated discussion between Assistant Attorney General Karin Eckel and NH Common Sense Executive Director Matt Simon.  Video of the show is available here.

Details in the Union-Leader... a vote by the full Senate is expected next week, so Take Action!

This endorsement was not expected, but needless to say it is very good news for HB 648!