NH Medical Cannabis Expansion Bills Advance as Recreational Legalization Stalls

New Hampshire’s House of Representatives defeated a bill to legalize adult-use cannabis but approved two bills on Thursday to expand the state’s existing medical marijuana program. These bills now proceed to the desk of Gov. Chris Sununu (R).

Qualifying Conditions Bill

The first bill, HB 1278, allows doctors to recommend medical marijuana for any condition they believe would benefit from cannabis use. The conference committee agreed to adopt the House version of the legislation passed in March. Rep. Erica Layon (R) stated, “The Senate has receded from their amendment and acceded to the House position,” allowing providers to certify adults 21 and older for therapeutic cannabis at their discretion. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Wendy Thomas (D), a cancer survivor and medical marijuana patient.

Expanded Authority for Healthcare Providers

The second measure, SB 357, expands the authority to recommend medical marijuana to any New Hampshire healthcare provider licensed to prescribe drugs and possessing an active DEA registration. This bill, from Sen. Becky Whitley (D), was passed by both chambers on voice votes. “By responsibly expanding who can certify a patient for a therapeutic cannabis prescription, we will ensure that individuals who qualify to therapeutic cannabis will have further access to needed care,” Whitley said.

Failed Recreational Legalization Measure

The bill to legalize marijuana for adults, HB 1633, was effectively killed when House lawmakers narrowly voted to table it. The proposal would have allowed 15 stores to open statewide beginning in 2026 through a state-run franchise system. Rep. Jared Sullivan (D) criticized the proposal as “the most intrusive, big-government marijuana program proposed anywhere in the country.” Karen O’Keefe, director of state policies for the Marijuana Policy Project, expressed disappointment, stating, “It’s a sad day to see legalizers kill legalization.”

While the expansion of the medical marijuana program advances to Gov. Sununu, the failure of the recreational legalization measure highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving broader cannabis reform in New Hampshire.