Delaware Expands Medical Cannabis Program Access

NEW YORK- Delaware lawmakers have passed a significant bill aimed at broadening access to the state’s medical cannabis program. On Thursday, the Delaware Senate approved a proposal that grants healthcare providers the discretion to certify patients for medical cannabis use. Additionally, the bill introduces a groundbreaking provision allowing individuals aged 65 and older to self-certify for medical cannabis, bypassing the traditional requirement for a healthcare provider’s certification.

Previously endorsed by the state House of Representatives in January, the bill now awaits the signature of Governor John Carney (D) for enactment. Senator Kyra Hoffner (D), a sponsor of the bill, underscored its potential to empower healthcare providers in offering optimal treatment options to their patients and to streamline access for those most in need of medical cannabis.

Key elements of the bill include the removal of the mandate for patients to be diagnosed with specific qualifying conditions to join the medical cannabis program. It also proposes the dissolution of the CBD-rich and compassionate use programs that currently cater to conditions not listed as qualifying for medical cannabis. The legislation aims to enhance patient convenience further by enabling the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services to issue medical cannabis registry cards with up to three years of validity. Moreover, it introduces the provision for issuing permanent cards to patients with terminal illnesses and establishes reciprocity for medical cannabis patients from other states or U.S. territories.

This legislative move follows the legalization of cannabis for adult recreational use in Delaware nearly a year ago, a measure that Governor Carney allowed to become law without his signature. The expansion of the medical cannabis program represents a significant shift in the state’s approach to cannabis, reflecting a broader trend towards more inclusive and accessible cannabis policies.