Lynch vetoes medical marijuana legislation

CONCORD, N.H., July 10 (UPI) -- New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch says he chose to veto medical marijuana legislation due to cultivation and distribution concerns.

The governor said in his veto statement of bill HB 648 that only under the "right policy" would he approve legislation that would allow ailing New Hampshire residents access to medical marijuana, the Nashua (N.H.) Telegraph said Friday.

"I understand and empathize with the advocates for allowing medical marijuana use in New Hampshire. However, the fact remains that marijuana use for any purpose remains illegal under federal law. Therefore, if we are to allow its use in New Hampshire for medical purposes, we must ensure that we are implementing the right policy," the governor said.

"We cannot set a lower bar for medical marijuana than we do for other controlled substances, and we cannot implement a law that still has serious flaws."

Lynch said among his main concerns with HB 648 were its plans to give registry cards to volunteers and a lack of standards for medical marijuana distribution centers.