July 10, 2009 NH governor vetoes medicinal marijuana bill

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Citing cultivation and distribution concerns, Gov. John Lynch has vetoed legislation that would have made New Hampshire the 14th state to legalize marijuana use by severely ill people.

Lynch had been critical of the bill from the start, but lawmakers made extensive changes in hopes of answering his concerns.

The bill would have established nonprofit compassion centers to dispense 2 ounces of marijuana every 10 days to severely ill patients. The state would have licensed the centers and issue identification cards to their staff, approved patients and their caregivers.

The bill passed the House 232-108 and the Senate, 14-10. Depending on attendance, the House may have the two-thirds support to override, but supporters need two more votes in the Senate.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)