SECTION 1.

Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department of public health shall establish a pilot program for veterans to use medical marijuana to treat medical conditions that are currently being treated with opioid-based medicine and combat opioid use disorder. The program shall be known as the Crosby project and shall have 3 phases

(a)During phase 1, the department shall: (i) conduct research, including but not limited 1) reviewing medical research regarding the administration of medical marijuana, (2) reviewing medical marijuana delivery devices and identifying those devices which may be prescribed to a patient to achieve proper dosing, (3) consulting with veterans’ organizations throughout the United States which promote the use of medical marijuana, including conducting on-site visits, as necessary; (ii) evaluate current medical marijuana programs within the commonwealth, including but not limited to: (1) comparing the commonwealth’s programs with the medical marijuana programs within the United States, (2) evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of said programs, and (3) collaborating with other states who are evaluating medical marijuana programs to combat opiate use disorder; and (iii) develop a basic program structure, including but not limited to: (1) constructing a program outline, (2) developing a list of medical professionals interested in participating in the Crosby project, and (3) conducting a study to find veterans willing and eligible to participate in the Crosby project.

(b) During phase 2, the department shall: (i) launch the pilot program in a physical location in or near Boston , which shall be known as the veterans alternative health and wellness center; (ii) hire appropriate staff for the center, which may include: (1) medical professionals, (2) veterans advocacy case managers, (3) veterans contracted through work therapy programs; and (iii) produce a marketing campaign including local veterans and celebrities to reduce the stigma of medical marijuana. The department may provide additional support for veterans at the center, including: (i) on-site housing, provided in conjunction with non-profit organizations focused on ending homelessness; and (ii) alternative health care, which may include: (1) acupuncture, (2) natural medicine, (3) yoga and (4) massage therapy.

(c) During phase 3, the department shall: (i) evaluate pilot program results; and (ii) develop, with the use of pilot program results, and construct a statewide civilian pilot program to use medical marijuana to treat medical conditions that are currently being treated with opioid- based medicine and combat opioid use disorder.

SECTION 2. The department shall compile a report detailing its research findings and the program outline and shall submit that report to not later than December 31, 2024.