New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Card – Online Evaluation | Medical Card Exam™

New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Card – Online Evaluation | Medical Card Exam™ Medical Marijuana Guide

(Updated August 2025)

1. 1. Introduction

New Hampshire, the Granite State, is a small but historically rich part of New England, bordered by Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Canada. Despite being surrounded by states (and a country) with legal adult-use cannabis, New Hampshire remains medical-only—making it unique in the region.

Famed for the White Mountains, Mount Washington, and Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire balances scenic beauty with strict cannabis laws. Recreational possession remains illegal, but the state has a functioning medical marijuana program, known locally as the Therapeutic Cannabis Program (TCP).

1. 2. Quick Facts – New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Card – Online Evaluation | Medical Card Exam™

1. 3. Who Qualifies : New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Card – Online Evaluation | Medical Card Exam™

New Hampshire’s qualifying process is two-tiered:

• • Certain conditions qualify outright
  • Others require pairing with qualifying symptoms

Qualifying Conditions (automatic eligibility):

• • Autism
  • Moderate to severe PTSD
  • Moderate to severe chronic pain
  • Severe pain unresponsive to other treatments

Conditions Requiring a Qualifying Symptom:

• • HIV/AIDS
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • ALS
  • Cancer
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Epilepsy
  • Glaucoma
  • Hepatitis C
  • Lupus
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Ulcerative colitis

Qualifying Symptoms (must pair with certain conditions above):

• • Agitation from Alzheimer’s
  • Cachexia or wasting syndrome
  • Chemotherapy-induced anorexia
  • Constant/severe nausea or vomiting
  • Elevated intraocular pressure
  • Moderate to severe insomnia
  • Seizures
  • Severe pain unresponsive to treatment
  • Severe, persistent muscle spasms

1. 4. How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in New Hampshire: New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Card – Online Evaluation | Medical Card Exam™

Step 1: Obtain a recommendation from an MD, DO, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant licensed in NH.
Step 2: Complete the Therapeutic Cannabis Program application, including your chosen Alternative Treatment Center (ATC).
Step 3: Submit the $50 application fee.
Step 4: Receive your medical ID within about 3 weeks.

Notes:

• • Caregiver registration also costs $50.
  • Renewal is $50 and should be started 2–3 months before expiration.
  • Replacement cards cost $25.

1. 5. Possession & Use Rules

Medical Patients:

• • May possess up to 2 ounces (56.69 g) of cannabis from their designated ATC.

Non-Medical Adults (Decriminalized):

• • Up to 0.75 ounces (21.26 g) = civil violation & fine (1st–3rd offense in 3 years).
  • 4th offense in 3 years = misdemeanor charge.

Cultivation:

• • Home growing is not permitted for medical or recreational use.

During Transportation:

• • Cannabis must be sealed or stored in the trunk.

1. 6. Where You Can & Cannot Use Cannabis

✅ Allowed:

• • Private residences (unless restricted by landlord or HOA)

❌ Prohibited:

• • Public spaces
  • Non-licensed businesses
  • In any moving vehicle
  • On federal property

1. 7. Legal Protections & Penalties

Protections for Patients:

• • No sales tax on medical cannabis purchases
  • No criminal penalties for lawful possession/use within TCP rules

Penalties for Violations:

• • Exceeding possession limits = misdemeanor or felony charges depending on quantity
  • Unauthorized cultivation is a felony

1. 8. Medical vs. Recreational in New Hampshire

1. 9. Expert Insights

• • Despite being surrounded by legal recreational states, NH lawmakers have repeatedly rejected full legalization.
  • Decriminalization means possession of small amounts no longer leads to jail time, but it is still illegal.
  • Patients should select their ATC carefully, as you must designate a single dispensary for all purchases.
  • The lack of sales tax means medical patients in NH can pay significantly less than in neighboring recreational states.

Cited laws: RSA Chapter 126-X; 2017 Decriminalization Bill (HB 640).

1. 10. Resources & References

• • NH Therapeutic Cannabis Program: dhhs.nh.gov
  • NORML – New Hampshire: norml.org/laws/new-hampshire