Medicinal cannabis: shipments.

Assembly Member Ahrens proposes expanding access to medicinal cannabis through new direct shipping provisions aimed at serving patients unable to obtain specialized products through existing retail channels. The legislation authorizes licensed microbusinesses with medicinal designations to ship cannabis directly to qualified patients located more than 60 miles from available retailers, provided they meet strict verification and product requirements.

The bill establishes specific parameters for eligible shipments, limiting them to products manufactured using nonvolatile extraction methods and excluding vape products, edibles, and certain concentrates. Licensed microbusinesses must verify physician recommendations, obtain payment prior to shipping, and ensure packages are signed for by recipients aged 21 or older. All transactions require documentation in the state's track and trace system.

Local jurisdictions face new restrictions on regulations that would impede medicinal cannabis delivery or shipment, though they retain authority over zoning, security, licensing, and tax collection. The legislation also permits retailers and microbusinesses to provide free medicinal cannabis to qualified patients while maintaining existing verification and record-keeping requirements.

These provisions expire on January 1, 2029, allowing for evaluation of their effectiveness in addressing access challenges faced by an estimated 4,000 patients with conditions requiring specialized medicinal cannabis products. The bill includes enforcement mechanisms enabling patients, businesses, and the Attorney General to pursue legal action against entities impeding authorized delivery or shipment services.