Concerning the medical cannabis authorization database.

SB 5700 creates a secure state database to verify medical cannabis patient authorizations and tax exemptions. It directly affects medical cannabis patients (who receive recognition cards), healthcare providers, cannabis retailers, and the Liquor and Cannabis Board. The key mechanism requires the database to allow retailers to verify patient cards, let the Liquor and Cannabis Board confirm tax exemption eligibility under state law, and ensure data privacy through strict security standards. This replaces manual verification processes, streamlining tax exemption checks while protecting patient information.