Just over a quarter of the states have no medical cannabis program in place for their citizens. Many continue to ban cannabis entirely. Even simple possession is a criminalize offense. Others have only approved CBD Oil for medicinal use. However, the national trend is moving towards legalization of both medical and recreational cannabis. Currently, Wyoming is a state that regulates both. But Wyoming lawmakers are pushing for a comprehensive medical cannabis program.

At the moment, state citizens only have access to industrial hemp products, which are products that contain less than 0.3 percent Delta 9 THC. Delta 9 is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana that creates the euphoric high after consumption. But lawmakers are offering proposal of a medical cannabis program. A group introduced HB0082 to the House several days ago, which would create a medical cannabis program for qualifying patients. 

This bipartisan House bill would require several different organizations to come together to create a report of requirements. The report would include who qualifies for medical cannabis as well as how doctors and distributors would regulate prescriptions and potential fraud. 

HB0082

HB0082 exists in several sections. First, there is a breakdown of who will be on the committee to create the report for a medical cannabis program. The committee includes: the state health officer, the department of health, the board of pharmacy, the state board of medicine, the state insurance commissioner, and the attorney general. Together, this group will create the report.

Inside the report is a list of recommendations and requirements and would include:

• Identifying conditions that would benefit the most for medical cannabis usage. Each condition must be accompanied by scientific research that states medical cannabis is a positive treatment for the patient.
• Establish different ways to regulate prescriptions, prescribers, and distributors.
• How to prevent wrongful or fraudulent prescriptions.
• Recommended an implementation timeline.
• Address any statutory changes before a medical cannabis program can begin.

All questions surrounding medical cannabis and legalization must be answered in the report, according to HB0082. Additionally, the report must be complete by September 30, 2021. This will allow lawmakers to move forward with legalizing medical cannabis. This bill marks a major step forward for the state. Previously, Wyoming lawmakers have been adamant about keeping cannabis out of the hands of its citizens.

Future

Although HB0082 shows promise, Senate File 90 has begun making its rounds in the Senate. Unfortunately, this bill would prohibit any smokable hemp products being sold to anyone under 21 and smoked in a public place. Senate File 90 still has a long way to go before it is seen in both chambers. However, it could be a regression for citizens. HB0082 is a step forward. Together, these two bills are causing much confusion and concern over what lawmakers are wanting to accomplish. Others wonder if lawmakers are even taking citizen concerns into consideration.

At this time, HB0082 has only been introduced, and no hearing date is set. However, there is hope that it will pass. This will allow Wyoming lawmakers and medical professionals to create a proper medical cannabis program and provide relief to citizens across the state.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.