Concord, NH – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) has announced that, effective Wednesday, June 28, 2023, New Hampshire’s Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) are able to dispense therapeutic cannabis to visitors from out of state and from Canada that are certified to receive therapeutic cannabis in their state or province.

Therapeutic cannabis is used by individuals to ease symptoms caused by certain medical conditions. The Therapeutic Cannabis Program was established in New Hampshire in 2013, under RSA 126-X, and many other states have similar programs. Due to federal prohibition, it is illegal to cross state lines or international borders while in possession of cannabis, regardless of its therapeutic or recreational legality in either state or country. A change to New Hampshire state law will allow visiting patients to avoid the risk of violating federal law by illegally transporting therapeutic cannabis across state lines.

“People from other states with severe medical conditions who use therapeutic cannabis to alleviate their symptoms are welcome to travel to New Hampshire with the certainty that they will be able to safely access therapeutic cannabis while they visit our state,” said DPHS Director Tricia Tilley.

Under the new law, visiting patients can purchase therapeutic cannabis from a New Hampshire ATC three times per year using their valid therapeutic cannabis identification issued by another state or Canada. If the out-of-state patient has a documented qualifying medical condition that is on the list of conditions approved by New Hampshire, those visiting patients may purchase cannabis at New Hampshire ATCs at the same frequency as New Hampshire qualifying patients. New Hampshire’s qualifying medical conditions are listed on the Therapeutic Cannabis Program webpage, at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/population-health/therapeutic-cannabis/qualifying-medical-conditions.

Visiting patients must show their out-of-state cannabis ID card and matching photo identification. There is a 2-ounce possession limit per patient, and all patients are limited to purchasing 2 ounces of cannabis in any 10-day period. Visiting patients must abide by all applicable state laws regarding their therapeutic use of cannabis.

There are seven ATC therapeutic cannabis dispensary locations operating in New Hampshire. They are located in Chichester, Conway, Dover, Keene, Lebanon, Merrimack, and Plymouth. Their locations are listed on the Therapeutic Cannabis Program webpage, at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/population-health/therapeutic-cannabis/alternative-treatment-centers.