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HD 2286

An Act relative to a medical marijuana pilot program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Alyson Sullivan-Almeida

Authorizes a three-phase DPH-run Crosby medical marijuana pilot for veterans with opioid-related conditions and OUD to study effects and inform a potential statewide program.

Senate concurred
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Bill Summary · HD 2286

Summary: HD 2286 — An Act relative to a medical marijuana pilot program (Crosby project)

  • Bill number/title: HD 2286, An Act relative to a medical marijuana pilot program
  • Status: Senate concurred
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Author/ Sponsor: Representative Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida (7th Plymouth)
  • Context: Similar matter previously filed in 2023-2024 (House No. 122)

Purpose and intent

The bill would authorize the Department of Public Health (DPH) to establish a controlled, time-bound pilot program allowing veterans to use medical marijuana to treat medical conditions that are currently managed with opioid-based medicine and to address opioid use disorder (OUD). The program is named the Crosby project and is designed to inform a possible broader statewide civilian pilot.

Key provisions

  • Section 1 — Establishment and structure

    • Authorizes a DPH-led Crosby project pilot program with three phases.
    • The program operates notwithstanding any contrary law, creating a dedicated framework for veteran use of medical marijuana tied to opioid-treatment conditions and OUD.

  • Phase 1: Research and program design

    • DPH to conduct research on medical marijuana administration, dosing devices, and related delivery methods.
    • Engage with veterans’ organizations nationwide (on-site visits as needed).
    • Evaluate existing Massachusetts medical marijuana programs, compare with other states, and identify strengths/weaknesses.
    • Develop the basic program structure, including:
    • A draft program outline
    • A list of medical professionals interested in participating
    • A study to identify veterans willing and eligible to participate

  • Phase 2: Pilot launch and operations

    • Launch the pilot at a physical location in or near Boston, named the Veterans Alternative Health and Wellness Center.
    • Hire staff, including medical professionals, veterans advocacy case managers, and veterans participating through work therapy programs.
    • Implement a marketing campaign featuring local veterans and celebrities to reduce stigma.
    • Provide additional on-site support for veterans, such as housing support (in partnership with nonprofits focused on ending homelessness) and access to alternative health care (e.g., acupuncture, natural medicine, yoga, massage therapy).

  • Phase 3: Evaluation and statewide planning

    • Assess pilot results.
    • Develop, based on pilot findings, a plan for a statewide civilian pilot program to treat conditions currently managed by opioid-based medicine and to combat opioid use disorder.

  • Section 2 — Reporting requirement

    • DPH must compile and submit a report detailing research findings and the pilot program outline no later than December 31, 2024.

Affected entities and stakeholders

  • Primary beneficiaries: Veterans eligible for medical marijuana under a physician’s care, particularly for conditions tied to opioid-based treatment and OUD.
  • State agencies: Department of Public Health (administration and oversight of the Crosby project).
  • Healthcare and service partners: Medical professionals, veterans advocacy organizations, nonprofits addressing homelessness, and providers of complementary/alternative health services.
  • Community and public health: Efforts to reduce stigma around medical marijuana use among veterans and to explore opioid-reduction strategies.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • The bill sets a three-phase timeline culminating in a statewide civilian pilot if results are favorable.
  • The report deadline in Section 2 is stated as December 31, 2024, which predates the bill’s introduction in 2025, indicating a possible drafting inconsistency in the version provided.
  • Legislative actions show referral to the Cannabis Policy committee and Senate concurrence in 2025.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Could inform a broader framework for veteran access to medical marijuana as part of opioid-reduction strategies.
  • Comports with integrated care approaches by including housing support and alternative therapies.
  • Implementation would require funding and ongoing oversight; no specific fiscal provisions are included in the text provided.
  • The established timeline may need alignment due to the December 2024 reporting deadline.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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