CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — For 20 years, Frank Paine has suffered from chronic back pain that caused him to retire early in 2009 and now makes it hard for him to walk long distances.

He's tried numerous medications, physical therapy and acupuncture. None of it has worked, but he and his doctor see another possible source of relief: Medical marijuana.

The state legalized medical marijuana in 2013, but Paine still has no idea whether it's a treatment that will work. He won't use it until he can access it legally and that's still not possible, a lag that has frustrated potential patients.

"I'm still hoping to take advantage of this once it's legal and I can submit the application for (an ID card) from the state," said Paine, 69. "That's the major holdup at this point."