Are you curious about the cannabis laws in New Hampshire? It can be a little confusing. The state has decriminalized cannabis, but there is no legal way to buy it for fun.

This leads to a lot of questions. People often ask, “How can I get cannabis legally?” or “What are the rules?” and “Is it hard to get a medical card?”

This guide is here to be your clear, step-by-step map. We will explain the state’s Therapeutic Cannabis Program and make the rules easy to understand. We will show you the only legal path to cannabis in New Hampshire.

The Legal Status

Let’s get straight to the point. Medical cannabis is legal in New Hampshire for patients who are registered with the state. However, recreational cannabis is not legal.

Now, you may have heard that cannabis is “decriminalized.” This just means that the punishment for having a very small amount is less severe. But it is still illegal to buy or sell cannabis if you are not part of the medical program.

The official name for the state’s program is the Therapeutic Cannabis Program. It is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

A Look at New Hampshire’s Qualifying Conditions

So, how do you know if you can join the medical program? The state has an official list of medical conditions that can qualify you.

If you have been diagnosed by a doctor with one of the conditions below, you may be able to get a medical cannabis card.

The Official List of Qualifying Conditions

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV or AIDS
• Hepatitis C
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Muscular dystrophy
• Crohn’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Spinal cord injury or disease
• Traumatic brain injury
• Epilepsy
• Lupus
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• You can also qualify if you have severe pain, nausea, vomiting, or seizures that have not gotten better with other treatments.

How to Get Your New Hampshire Medical Cannabis Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have a qualifying condition, you are probably wondering what to do next. The process to get your card has a few simple steps. We will walk you through them right now.

Establish a Relationship with a Medical Provider

This is the most unique and important rule in New Hampshire. Before a medical provider can certify you for cannabis, you must have a relationship with them for at least 3 months.

This can be a doctor, a physician assistant, or a special kind of nurse called an APRN. This 3-month rule can be a challenge for many people, but there are ways to make it work.

Get Your Provider Certification

After you have known your provider for at least 3 months, they can certify you for the program. They will need to confirm that you have one of the qualifying conditions.

Then, they will fill out a special form for you. It is called the “Written Certification for the Therapeutic Use of Cannabis.” This form is the key document you need for your application.

Navigating the provider relationship rule and getting your certification can be the most challenging part. This is where expert telehealth services can be invaluable. Services like HealifyNow specialize in connecting you with qualified providers who understand the state’s requirements and can guide you through the entire process, including establishing care.

Apply with the State Online

Once you have the signed form from your provider, you are ready for the last step. You will need to submit an application to the DHHS.

You can do this online through the state’s website. You will need to upload the form from your doctor, a copy of your ID, a photo of yourself, and pay the state’s application fee.

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What Can You Buy and Possess?

Once you get your card in the mail, what can you expect? Let’s look at the program’s rules and limits.

Possession and Purchase Limits

As a registered patient, you can buy up to two ounces of cannabis from your dispensary every 10 days.

This is a key regulation for medical cannabis in New Hampshire. It ensures that patients have a steady supply of their medicine.

Where to Buy and What’s Available?

In New Hampshire, patients must choose one dispensary to be their main provider. These special dispensaries are called “Alternative Treatment Centers,” or ATCs.

If you want to switch to a different ATC, you can. You just need to fill out a form to change your designated center.

ATCs offer various products like flower, tinctures, edibles, and concentrates. To make the best choice for your symptoms, learning about different cannabis strains and their effects can help you have a more productive conversation with the ATC staff.

Important Rules to Remember in the “Live Free or Die” State

There are a few more important rules to know to make sure you are always following the law.

First, you cannot grow your own cannabis at home. This is a very important rule. Unlike in some other nearby states, home cultivation is illegal for patients in New Hampshire.

Also, some patients may not be able to go to the dispensary themselves. These patients can choose a “designated caregiver.” This is a trusted person who can buy and pick up their medicine for them.

Finally, your medical card is only good for one year. To keep it active, you must go through the whole process again every year. This means getting a new certification from your doctor and applying with the state. This is a crucial part of the law for cannabis in New Hampshire.

Keeping your card active is essential. Many modern providers offer a convenient patient portal where you can manage your records, check your card’s expiration date, and schedule your annual renewal appointment with your provider.

Conclusion

We have covered a lot today. The most important thing to remember is that New Hampshire’s program has some specific rules. The 3-month provider relationship and the ban on growing your own cannabis are the biggest ones.

However, the medical program is the only legal and safe way to get cannabis in the state.We hope this guide has made the process clear. We want you to feel confident as you explore the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis in New Hampshire.

Dr. Bryan Green

Dr. Bryan Green is a board-certified neurologist and author specializing in neurological disorders. With a medical degree and extensive clinical experience, he writes about the intersection of neuroscience and therapeutic interventions, including the use of medical cannabis for conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. His work aims to educate patients and professionals on evidence-based treatments for seizures, spasticity, and neuropathic pain. Dr. Green’s publications blend medical expertise with accessible insights, drawing from his practice in states where cannabis is a legal treatment option.