Public hearings to be held on medical marijuana rules

The public will have a chance to comment on a series of proposed updates to the rules around New Hampshire’s medical marijuana program at two hearings scheduled for 1 and 2 p.m. today at the Brown Building Auditorium, 129 Pleasant St.

The first hearing, at 1 p.m., will address the rules that govern the registry for the state’s medical marijuana program. Among other items, the rules introduce a proposal to open up a “pre-registration period” starting Nov. 2 that would allow people to begin the process of applying for the identification cards required to legally possess medical marijuana in New Hampshire. As outlined in the rules, the cards would not be issued to patients or caregivers until their chosen alternative treatment center is certified to begin dispensing medical marijuana.

Another hearing at 2 p.m. will examine changes to the rules for the state’s alternative treatment centers. The proposed changes to these rules address the regulations for the location of alternative treatment centers in relation to drug-free school zones and outline requirements for the testing of the cannabis being harvested by the alternative treatment centers, among other items.