O P I N I O N

THE SOAPBOX

Stand up. Speak up. It’s your turn.

I, along with other state reps are putting forward a bill (HB 1231) that would allow NH therapeutic cannabis patients to grow a specific number of plants, under restricted conditions to use as part of their medicine.

First, let me explain that the therapeutic program is very different from the recreational cannabis program that is being proposed. In the case of therapeutic, cannabis is used in low doses to treat symptoms and/or conditions. As one provider once told me, “if you are using cannabis to get high in the therapeutic program, then you are using it wrong.”

I am a therapeutic patient, I have been in the program for five years and have used cannabis to both control my chronic pain and to let me sleep at night. In the last two years I have had three major surgeries and cannabis helped me get through them.

There are several compelling reasons why therapeutic cannabis patients should be allowed to grow cannabis plants:

Personalized Medicine: Allowing patients to grow their own cannabis enables them to tailor their medicine to their specific needs. Different strains and cultivation methods may produce variations in cannabinoid and terpene profiles, allowing patients to find the most effective treatment for their medical conditions.

Cost Savings: Cultivating cannabis at home can be a cost-effective alternative for patients who rely on cannabis as a therapeutic option. Purchasing medical cannabis from dispensaries can be expensive due to various factors, including fees and production costs. Allowing patients to grow their own plants may alleviate financial burdens for those with chronic illnesses.

Access to Specific Strains: Patients often have specific strains that work best for their medical conditions. Allowing cultivation gives them the ability to access and grow the strains that are most effective for their individual needs, which may not be readily available in dispensaries.

Self-Sufficiency: Growing cannabis empowers patients to take control of their treatment and become more self-sufficient. This not only provides a sense of independence but also reduces dependence on external sources for their medicine.

Safe and Quality Control: Patients can ensure the quality and safety of their cannabis by cultivating it themselves. They have control over the growing conditions, ensuring that no harmful pesticides or contaminants are present in their medicine. Patients would also have access to the state lab to get their cannabis tested, if desired.

Customized Products: Some patients may prefer alternative forms of cannabis consumption, such as oils, tinctures, or edibles. Allowing cultivation enables patients to produce their own customized cannabis products tailored to their preferences and methods of consumption.

Education and Empowerment: Growing cannabis offers patients the opportunity to learn about the plant, its cultivation, and the extraction process. This education can empower patients to make informed decisions about their treatment and advocate for themselves within the medical community.

Reduced Waiting Times: In regions where there are limited dispensaries or long travel times, allowing patients to grow their own cannabis can expedite access to medicine, especially for those in urgent need.

Flexibility in Treatment Plans: Patients may need different strains or formulations at various stages of their treatment. Allowing cultivation gives them the flexibility to adjust their treatment plans based on their evolving medical needs.

Privacy and Autonomy: Allowing patients to grow cannabis at home respects their privacy and autonomy in managing their medical conditions. It removes the need for patients to disclose personal health information to multiple parties and allows them to keep their treatment choices confidential.

In conclusion, permitting therapeutic cannabis patients to grow their own plants provides a range of benefits, from cost savings and personalized medicine to increased autonomy and control over the quality of their treatment. These considerations highlight the importance of allowing patients the option to cultivate cannabis in secure areas in their homes for medical purposes.

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NH Rep. Wendy Thomas servers the town of Merrimack/Hillsborough-12