Home Grow Advances!

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Great news: yesterday, a N.H. House Committee voted to approve the therapeutic cannabis home cultivation bill in a nearly unanimous vote! The House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs voted 19-1 to advance HB 431. Next, we expect it will pass the House with little or no opposition.

We will be sure to let you know when a public hearing is scheduled for this bill in the state Senate. This will likely be sometime in April.

Legalization Hearing Scheduled

In other news, a second House committee has scheduled a hearing on the adult-use legalization bill that passed the House in February. On Monday morning (3/13) at 9am, the House Ways and Means Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 639. Unlike the previous committee, this committee will focus primarily on the bill’s fiscal impacts: the tax structure, fees, and spending.

As amended by the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee, HB 639 would authorize the N.H. Liquor Commission to regulate adult-use cannabis. Unlike last year’s HB 1598, this bill envisions sales being conducted by private retailers, not state-run stores. A 15% tax would be levied on cultivators. You can read a summary of the amended bill here.

Prime ATC strongly preferred the original bill, which included home cultivation and automatic annulment of criminal records for past cannabis offenses. As introduced, HB 639 would have created a stand-alone Cannabis Commission, with oversight from an independent Advisory Board.

Although we preferred the original version, the amended bill still includes important provisions to ensure patients aren’t left behind. We believe HB 639, as amended, gives ATCs a reasonable path forward and does not seriously threaten the viability of the Therapeutic Cannabis Program.

After the committee completes its work, the bill will likely pass the House and proceed to the Senate, where its fate remains unclear. We will continue working to educate legislators and seek improvements as the process continues.

Tell Legislators What You Think

If you’d like to share your opinions on HB 639 with the Ways and Means Committee using the House’s remote testimony form, follow these simple steps:

  • Enter your name and address
  • Select the hearing date (3/13)
  • Select “Ways and Means” as the committee and select HB 639 as the bill number, then indicate whether you support or oppose the bill
  • (Optional) Type your comments into the box or upload your written testimony
  • Submit the form

Thank you for your interest in improving N.H. cannabis policies! We will continue to share important updates as these bills move forward.

NH State House dome

El’s Army Grows

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Remember El’s Army, the winning cultivar selected by patients at our Cannaversary celebration? Our staff recently harvested this new flower, and we are excited to share it with you. Assuming all goes well with independent lab testing, it will be arriving on dispensary shelves soon!

But before you try the new flower, we want to finish telling you the story of these plants. As we reported previously, our growers planted four El’s Army seeds on August 24. The seedlings were up-potted on September 9, and each plant was labeled with a unique barcode for tracking purposes.

El's Army vegetative
Four El’s Army plants begin to reach for the sky

Unfortunately, as we mentioned in our first El’s Army blog, “much can go wrong during the growing process.” While three of our young soldiers appeared to be healthy females, plant #3 began showing signs of intersex traits. When this happens, we immediately remove the plant from production.

photo of seedling with male flowers
This El’s Army plant demonstrated intersex traits and was immediately removed from production

Propagation Day

You might wonder how three little plants are supposed to produce enough cannabis to supply patients. The answer is “propagation.” On October 17, our staff took approximately 18 cuttings from each of the three plants. If all goes well, each cutting is expected to develop into a mature, flowering beauty! From this point forward, the original three plants will be known as “mothers.”

Preparation is key to successful propagation. A few weeks before we propagate a plant, the mother plant will be “topped” or “tipped” to encourage lateral branching. This increases the number of cuts that will be available. The practice is as simple as removing a top portion of the plant’s tallest stalk, known as the “leader.” Removing the leader causes plant hormones to be redistributed to lower portions of the plant, promoting new leaders to take the old leader’s place.

For each cutting, we carefully remove a branch and immediately place it into a cup with water. The cutting is then carefully trimmed to facilitate growth and placed into a pre-soaked “propagation plug,” where it can begin to take root and form a new plant.

photo of seedling and propagation plug
El’s Army cutting in a propagation plug

To keep track of each new soldier, we place them on a tray and label each phenotype. Labels include the date of the cuttings and the initials of the employees who took them. The cuts are still very sensitive at this stage, so we spray a dome with water and place it over the tray for the first night or two to keep them moist. On average, roots will start to poke out of their plugs one week after propagation. These cuts will live happily in our “Mom Room” until they are ready to be transplanted and moved into the vegetative phase.

Now that each mother plant has produced offspring that are genetically identical to the mother, we have created three different “phenotypes.” At this point, you can already see clear differences emerging between the cuttings from El’s Army #1, #2, and #4.

photo of cuttings, some much taller than others
Does El’s Army have a minimum height requirement? Asking for phenotype #2.

So what happens to the mother plants? We keep them alive and happy while we wait to see what happens with their offspring! If one or more of these phenotypes produces amazing cannabis flower, we will surely want to propagate more cuttings from that mother in the future.

Next: Transplant Day and the Vegetative Stage

Three Cannabis Bills Advance

Posted on by Matt Simon2 Comments on Three Cannabis Bills Advance

Last week, committees in the New Hampshire House of Representatives approved three bills dealing with cannabis policy. Two of the bills would make modest but important improvements to the Therapeutic Cannabis law, and the other bill would legalize and regulate cannabis for adults 21 and older. All three bills are expected to pass the full House this week (see below for an update).

Here are more details on the three bills:

HB 610 passed the House Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee in a 20-0 vote. This bill would allow therapeutic cannabis certifications by any New Hampshire medical provider who is licensed to prescribe drugs to humans and possesses an active DEA registration. Many patients report that they have difficulty finding a provider who is knowledgeable about therapeutic cannabis. This bill would help by allowing a broader range of providers, including naturopathic doctors, to certify patients. The bill would also allow family practice providers who provide pediatric care to certify minor patients. Currently, two certifications are required for minor patients and one must be from a pediatrician, but this is problematic because many children are served by family practice providers rather than pediatricians.

HB 611 also passed the House Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee in a 20-0 vote. This bill would make it easier for patients to be certified with a “severe pain” diagnosis. If it passes, the current requirements that patients have “not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures” or that they have experienced “serious side effects” from other treatment options would be deleted. This is important because patients should not have to try opioids or surgeries before being certified for therapeutic cannabis.

HB 639 was amended by the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee, which approved it in a 17-3 vote. As amended, the bill would legalize cannabis possession for adults 21 and older and authorize the Liquor Commission to regulate production and sales by private retailers. The bill no longer includes home cultivation, which is still part of another bill (HB 344). Here’s a summary of HB 639, as it currently stands. Although we are unhappy with some of the changes, we are pleased to report that the bill still prioritizes the needs of patients and does not threaten the ongoing viability of the Therapeutic Cannabis Program. We will continue to advocate for sensible improvements as the bill advances.

Several other bills are still pending in House committees. These include HB 82 (employment protections for registered patients), HB 431 (home cultivation for registered patients and caregivers), and HB 344 (home cultivation for adults). The House will vote on all these bills eventually, but not this week.

Thanks to all who have contacted representatives about cannabis policy. We will continue to share updates as they become available!

UPDATE: These bills all passed the House on February 22. HB 610 and HB 611 passed in voice votes. HB 639 passed 234-127 and will proceed to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.

NH State House dome

Valentine’s Day Weekend Sale!

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If you like chocolate, we think you’re going to love our Valentine’s Day Weekend Sale. All brownies and chocolates are currently 20% off, while supplies last! The sale has already begun and will continue until Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Since the Valentine’s Day Weekend Sale is focused entirely on chocolate, we thought this would be a good time to tell you more about the high quality Callebaut Belgian chocolate we use in all our chocolate products. We believe our chocolates are the best around, and we hope you agree!

Visit our menu if you’d like to place an order for Prime ATC chocolate.

sale graphic, all brownies and chocolates 20% off through February 14

Home Cultivation Bill Scheduled!

Posted on by Matt SimonLeave a Comment on Home Cultivation Bill Scheduled!

So far, most of the talk about cannabis policy in 2023 has centered on adult-use legalization bills. That will change next Thursday afternoon when three therapeutic cannabis bills receive public hearings in a House committee. Prime ATC believes all three of these bills are worthy of support. We expect many patients will be particularly excited about HB 431, which would make limited home cultivation legal for registered patients and caregivers.

The three bills will be considered on Thursday, February 9, by the House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs. If you feel strongly about any of these bills, you are welcome to testify in person. You can also submit written testimony using the House’s Remote Testimony Submission Form. Alternately, you can email your thoughts to the committee using this address: HHSEA@leg.state.nh.us.

The public hearings will take place in the Legislative Office Building, Room 201-203. Here are more details on the three bills:

HB 611 (1pm) would delete the requirement that patients must have “not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures” or that they must have experienced “serious side effects” from other treatment options before they can be certified with “severe pain” as a qualifying symptom. It makes no sense that patients should have to try opioids or surgeries before being certified for therapeutic cannabis. Prime ATC supports HB 611.

HB 610 (1:30pm) would authorize any New Hampshire medical provider who is licensed to prescribe drugs to humans and who possesses an active DEA registration to certify patients for the Therapeutic Cannabis Program. Many patients report that they have difficulty finding a provider who is knowledgeable about therapeutic cannabis. This would help by allowing a broader range of providers, including naturopathic doctors, to certify patients. The bill would also allow family practice providers who provide pediatric care to certify minor patients. Currently, two certifications are required for minor patients and one must be from a pediatrician, but this is problematic because many children are served by family practice providers rather than pediatricians. Prime ATC supports HB 610.

HB 431 (2pm) would allow limited home cultivation for registered patients and caregivers. The possession limit would be three mature plants, three immature plants, and 12 seedlings per patient. Prime ATC supports HB 431.

IMPORTANT: This committee has supported home cultivation bills many times in the past. If you testify or communicate with the committee, please keep this in mind and be courteous and respectful.

If you’d like to share your opinions on any or all of these bills using the House’s remote testimony form, follow these simple steps:

  • Enter your name and address.
  • Select the hearing date (2/9).
  • Select “Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs” as the committee and select the bill number, then indicate whether you support or oppose the bill.
  • (Optional) Type your comments into the box or upload your written testimony.
  • Submit the form.

If you’d like, you can also write or call your own representatives directly (look them up here).

Thank you for taking time to learn more about bills that would impact the Therapeutic Cannabis Program! We will continue to share regular updates.

photo of Capitol dome

Legalization Hearings Scheduled

Posted on by Matt Simon3 Comments on Legalization Hearings Scheduled

Cannabis legalization has emerged as a hot topic of discussion at the N.H. State House in 2023, but how would legalization impact patients if it passes? This is an important question, and the answer depends entirely on the details. There are actually five different bills in the New Hampshire House that would legalize adult-use cannabis, and each takes a different approach to policy. All five bills are scheduled for public committee hearings next Wednesday and Thursday.

If you’d like to weigh in on any or all of these bills, the easiest way to do so is to use the House’s remote testimony form. You can use this form to indicate whether you support or oppose a bill, and you can (optionally) submit written comments or testimony for the committee. Members of the public are also welcome to attend the hearings and testify in person. If you choose to testify or submit written comments, we ask that you please be courteous and respectful.

Two legalization bills are scheduled for back-to-back hearings on Wednesday afternoon, January 25, in the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Affairs:

HB 639 (Osborne) – this bill would legalize home cultivation (6 plants, of which 3 could be mature) for adults 21 and older. It would also authorize a new, stand-alone Cannabis Commission to regulate production and sales, with oversight from an independent advisory board. Sales to adults would be subjected to the 8.5% Meals and Rooms Tax. The bill was drafted by a broad coalition of organizations and based on lessons learned from other states.

Prime ATC contributed to the process of drafting HB 639, and we believe it is the most thoughtful and comprehensive approach to cannabis legalization that has ever been considered in New Hampshire. The bill provides for a slow, deliberate transition of the Therapeutic Cannabis Program from D.H.H.S to the new Cannabis Commission, and it prioritizes the ongoing needs of patients. A summary of the bill is available here, and the full text is available here.

This public hearing is scheduled to begin at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday in the Legislative Office Building (behind the State House), Rooms 302-204.

HB 544 (Eaton) – this bill would authorize the Liquor Commission to regulate cannabis and administer sales to adults and patients. Home cultivation would remain prohibited. 50% of revenue would be distributed to cities and towns, and 50% would go to the general fund.

Prime ATC does not support this bill, in part because we believe it presents a serious threat to the Therapeutic Cannabis Program. The full text is available here. The public hearing will take place immediately following the hearing on HB 639 in the Legislative Office Building, Rooms 302-204.

If you’d like to share your opinions on one or both of these bills using the House’s remote testimony form, follow these simple steps:

  • Enter your name and address
  • Select the hearing date (1/25)
  • Select “Commerce and Consumer Affairs” as the committee and select HB 639 or HB 544 as the bill number, then indicate whether you support or oppose the bill
  • (Optional) Type your comments into the box or upload your written testimony
  • Submit the form
photo of state house

Thursday Hearings

Three additional legalization bills are scheduled for hearings on Thursday, January 26, in the House Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. These hearings will take place in Representatives’ Hall at the State House:

HB 643 (Damon) – this bill would authorize the Liquor Commission to regulate cannabis and administer sales to adults and patients. Home cultivation would remain prohibited. 50% of revenue would go to the education trust fund, and 50% would go to D.H.H.S. to develop programs for increased mental health services. Prime ATC does not support this bill for the same reasons we do not support HB 544. The full text is available here. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.

HB 360 (Verville) – this bill would legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older with no limits. It would not establish a regulated market. Prime ATC is not taking a position on HB 360, and we do not expect it to advance. The full text is available here. The hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

HB 344 (McGuire) – this bill would legalize home cultivation (6 plants, of which 3 could be mature) for adults 21 and older. It would not establish a regulated market. Prime ATC supports HB 344. The full text is available here. The hearing is scheduled for 2:15 p.m.

Again, it is easy to share your opinions on these bills with the relevant committee using the House’s remote testimony form, as described above. If you’d like, you can also write or call your own representatives directly (look them up here).

We will update you on bills impacting the therapeutic cannabis program in a subsequent blog post. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned!

Therapeutic Cannabis in the Legislature

Posted on by Matt Simon2 Comments on Therapeutic Cannabis in the Legislature

The 2023 legislative session has begun in Concord, and five bills dealing with therapeutic cannabis have already been introduced. So far, only one bill has been scheduled for a public hearing, so we will begin with HB 82.

Sponsored by Rep. Suzanne Vail, this bill seeks to establish employment protections for patients who are registered with the N.H. Therapeutic Cannabis Program. Specifically, it requires that “No employer shall deny employment to or terminate the employment of an individual solely because the individual is a qualified patient” and tests positive for cannabis.

There would be an exception for jobs “where drug screening tests are required for the safety of persons and property at the job site.” And employers would not be required to tolerate their employees “being impaired by cannabis products while at work.”

You can read the full text of HB 82 here:

screenshot of HB 82 text

This bill will be considered by the House Committee on Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services. The committee has scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, January 19, at 2:30 p.m. Members of the public are welcome to testify at the hearing. Alternately, you can email the committee members yourself and share your thoughts on HB 82.

In addition to HB 82, the House will soon consider several other bills relating to therapeutic and adult-use cannabis. We look forward to sharing more details with you in the near future!

End of Year Savings!

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Our End of Year Sale will begin on Thursday, December 22, and it will continue until New Year’s Eve, while supplies last!

For this sale, all Heavenly Sativa and Temple of the Dawg flower will be 20% off. In addition, all of our drink mixes and remaining holiday boxes will be 20% off.

We will also be offering select pre-rolls and vapes for 10% off. The pre-rolls are Heavenly Sativa, Lemon Grab, Star Mints, and Panama Red, and the vapes are Clementine, D8, LA Kush Cake, and Temple of the Dawg.

If you’d like to place an order, visit our menu! Happy Holidays from all our staff at Prime ATC!

Seniors, military veterans, and patients enrolled in the Compassionate Care Program will receive an additional 10% discount. Sale may not be combined with other discounts or loyalty points redemptions. While supplies last. No rainchecks. Orders must be picked up by end of sale to receive discounts.

As a reminder, please make a note of our holiday hours.

November Classes

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We are pleased to announce several November classes and support group meetings for the benefit of patients. If you’d like to sign up for any of these classes or meetings, we’d love to have you – just give us a call at either dispensary or email us at info@primeatc.com.

First, we will offer a New Patient Orientation class via Zoom at 10am on Friday, November 4. If that date doesn’t work for you, we’ll offer the same class in person at 10am on Saturday, November 19, in Merrimack (Unit C).

But that’s not all! For patients and caregivers who are interested in learning more about terpenes, we are offering a Terpene class in Merrimack at 10am on Wednesday, November 30. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the aromatic compounds that contribute to the flavor and effects of cannabis.

List of November classes, times, and locations.

We are also offering three support groups this month. At our cancer support group, we will discuss patients’ experiences using cannabis to treat cancer. Our senior support group is intended for older patients. Lastly, our patient support group is open to any registered patients who would like to discuss their therapeutic cannabis experiences.

These support groups will all take place via Zoom at 5pm on the following dates: Tuesday, November 8 (Cancer), Wednesday, November 16 (Senior), and Tuesday, November 22 (Patient).

List of November support groups, times, and locations

Finally, we will be setting up an “equipment table” at the dispensaries on Friday, November 11 (Merrimack) and Friday, November 25 (Chichester). This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the various types of equipment that are available to therapeutic cannabis patients and how to use them.

Here’s a calendar for the full month of November classes and support groups. Again, just give us a call or send us an email if you’d like to sign up!

November class calendar