Democratic Gov. John Carney signed legislation (HB 285) into law that expands access to medical marijuana for seniors and others.
The new law, which went into effect when it was passed, provides doctors with discretion to prescribe medical marijuana to any patient who would benefit from it – whether or not they suffer from a state-specific condition. It also allows those 65 or older to secure an enrollment card without a doctor’s recommendation.
The law also allows state-registered patients from other states to access Delaware’s affected areas.
NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano testified to lawmakers in favor of the measure, saying: “Delaware doctors are limited to recommending medical marijuana only to those patients with a limited number of medical conditions specified by the government. This list of conditions was created by lawmakers, not health professionals. For example. There is no fibromyalgia or Tourette Syndrome currently appear on Delaware’s list of eligible conditions.
“… Patients with these and other ineligible conditions where medical marijuana can help should have access to marijuana following their physician’s decision. A patient’s treatment methods should not be limited by the government, but should be decided with confidence between the patient and his doctor.”
Lawmakers approved the state’s medical access program in 2011. About 29,000 patients are enrolled in it, according to 2023 statistics compiled by the Delaware Department of Health and Human Services.
Last year, lawmakers approved legislation that would allow adult marijuana use and retail sales. However, state-licensed vendors are not expected to operate under the law until the spring of 2025.
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