NH Legislature to Cast Final Vote on Medical Marijuana Bill Wednesday

Patients, Supporters to Speak Before Vote Urging Governor to Pass Bill Now That Lawmakers Amended It to Address His Concerns

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Patients and supporters will speak in front of the Statehouse Wednesday to urge Gov. John Lynch to allow the Legislature's recently amended medical marijuana bill to become law.

Lawmakers are expected to pass the final version of the bill later Wednesday now that a special legislative committee amended the bill to address eight specific concerns expressed by the governor about the original bill, which passed both chambers last month.

WHAT: Rally for medical marijuana bill, followed by legislative vote to pass it

WHO: Those scheduled to speak at the rally include:

Rep. Evalyn Merrick (D-Lancaster), a cancer patient and prime sponsor of New Hampshire's medical marijuana bill

Dennis Acton, a cancer survivor from Fremont

John Tommasi, a retired Salem police officer, now a Bentley College professor

Burt Cohen, a former state senator and a hepatitis-C patient

Richard Vincent, leader of Concord MS Support Group

WHEN: Wednesday, June 24 – speakers will begin at 8:45 a.m. The vote is expected later that day.

WHERE: The rally takes place in front of the Statehouse.