Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 33 - Natalie M. Laprade Medical Cannabis Commission
Section 13-3303.1 - Compassionate Use Fund

(a)    In this section, “Compassionate Use Fund” means the Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Cannabis Compassionate Use Fund.
    (b)    There is a Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Cannabis Compassionate Use Fund.
    (c)    (1)    The Commission shall:
            (i)    Administer the Compassionate Use Fund; and
            (ii)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, set fees in an amount necessary to provide revenues for the purposes of the Compassionate Use Fund.
        (2)    The Commission may not impose the fees established under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection on a licensed medical cannabis grower, processor, or dispensary during the 2 years immediately following the issuance of a license under this subtitle.
    (d)    The purpose of the Compassionate Use Fund is to provide access to medical cannabis for individuals enrolled in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program or in the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System.
    (e)    (1)    The Compassionate Use Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
        (2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Compassionate Use Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Compassionate Use Fund.
        (3)    The Compassionate Use Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds, and any investment earnings shall be retained to the credit of the Compassionate Use Fund.
        (4)    The Compassionate Use Fund shall be subject to an audit by the Office of Legislative Audits as provided for in § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.
        (5)    The Comptroller shall pay out money from the Compassionate Use Fund as directed by the Commission.
    (f)    No part of the Compassionate Use Fund may revert or be credited to:
        (1)    The General Fund of the State; or
        (2)    Any other special fund of the State.
    (g)    Expenditures from the Compassionate Use Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
    (h)    (1)    The Commission shall establish a program to allow eligible individuals enrolled in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program or in the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System to:
            (i)    Obtain medical cannabis from a licensed dispensary at a reduced cost; and
            (ii)    Reimburse a licensed dispensary for the cost of the medical cannabis dispensed to an eligible individual under the program from the Compassionate Use Fund.
        (2)    The Commission shall adopt regulations to implement this subsection.