Medical cannabis is legal in New Hampshire, but recreational use has only been decriminalized, not legalized. However, the New Hampshire Senate recently approved a cannabis legalization bill in a 14-9 vote on May 16, marking the farthest any cannabis legalization bill has reached to date.
Overview of House Bill 1633-FN-A
If passed into law, House Bill 1633-FN-A would legalize adult-use cannabis for those over 21 years of age and establish a regulatory framework. This includes a possession allowance limit set at four ounces of cannabis, 10 grams of concentrates, and non-concentrate products up to 2,000 mg THC. The bill currently allows for 15 adult-use dispensaries to open up throughout the state to avoid market oversaturation.
Senate Approves and Rejects Amendments
On May 16, Senators approved and rejected a variety of amendments to the bill. One change prevents cannabis business license owners from using their funds to lobby for cannabis legislation and bars those individuals from participating in “political activity” or contributing “funds to any entity engaged” in such activities. Another amendment requires each municipality to vote on whether to allow cannabis establishments within their town or city. A majority “yes” vote would permit retail outlets to open, while a majority “no” vote would not permit stores to open, and the question cannot be asked again until three years have passed.
Key Amendments and Their Impact
Sen. President Jeb Bradley introduced an amendment to change the proposed “advisory board” to a “cannabis control commission” in charge of approving rules and regulations. “If we’re going to protect public health, if we’re going to protect the kids in the state of New Hampshire, this board needs to be turned into a control commission,” Bradley said. Despite his reservations about the bill, he aimed to improve it with this amendment.
Ongoing Legislative Process
Sen. Daryl Abbas acknowledged that much work remains to be done to flesh out the bill as it progresses. “No cannabis policy will be perfect,” Abbas said during the most recent hearing. He added that the current version of the bill “was drafted to balance the public safety needs of our communities with the legalization of cannabis.” Abbas highlighted past policies that had been concerning, such as one permitting public smoking outside the New Hampshire State House.
Public Opinion and Opposition
New Hampshire polls reflect that a majority of residents approve of legalization. “Most of the polls are pretty straightforward, all well over 70 percent on this,” Abbas noted. However, Sen. Bill Gannon opposed the bill, claiming it would increase drug access throughout the state, making it more accessible to minors, and promote illegal sales. “We are going to change the fabric of New Hampshire if we pass this legislation,” Gannon said.
Future Steps and Governor’s Stance
House Bill 1633-FN-A will next be heard in a second Senate committee, followed by a second Senate floor vote before being sent back to the House with new amendments. The bill must also pass the scrutiny of New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu. Last May, Sununu reiterated his criteria for signing a cannabis legalization bill. “I laid out the eight or 10 things that I’d like to see in that bill for it to get a signature on my desk,” he said in a WMUR interview. “If they meet those stipulations, I’ll sign it. If they don’t, I won’t.”
Despite opposition, advocates celebrated the Senate’s approval and the potential future of cannabis in New Hampshire. Organizations such as Marijuana Policy Project praised the move on social media, urging New Hampshirites to contact state senators and make their voices heard. The bill’s progression marks a significant step toward cannabis legalization in the state.