Efforts to legalize recreational cannabis in New Hampshire are back on the table as legislators press forward with new proposals aimed at changing state law.
Representative Jared Sullivan has introduced House Bill 186, which is currently before the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee. Sullivan said he expects the measure to earn backing from both parties when it faces an initial vote on October 28. The full House is expected to take up the bill next year.
Still, Sullivan admits that the road ahead will be difficult. He doubts the Senate will approve it and points out that Governor Kelly Ayotte remains firmly opposed to legalization.
“We’re a coequal branch of government, and it’s our responsibility to move forward with what we believe is the right policy,” Sullivan said. “If the Senate or the governor does not want to support it, they’ll need to explain to the 70% of New Hampshire residents who favor legalization why they’re standing in the way.”
His comment refers to an April survey by the University of New Hampshire that found seven in ten residents support allowing adults to possess small amounts of recreational cannabis. So far, roughly half the states across the country—including every state in New England—have legalized cannabis in some form.
New Hampshire’s House has approved legalization measures before, but they have repeatedly been stopped in the Senate.
Under HB 186, adults 21 and older could possess up to two ounces of marijuana. Sales would take place in licensed stores overseen by a newly formed state commission.
The Granite State reduced penalties for marijuana possession in 2017, turning small-scale possession into a minor violation similar to a traffic fine. Medical cannabis was legalized in 2013.
Meanwhile, Senator Donovan Fenton is preparing a separate Senate proposal, though the final version has not yet been released. He believes New Hampshire is falling behind its neighbors. “Every state around us has already done this,” he said. “They’re not seeing major problems, and it’s generating significant revenue.”
Critics argue that easier access to marijuana could harm public health, particularly among young people. They also worry that legalization would lead to more public use and complaints from residents who don’t want to encounter the marijuana smell.
Supporters counter that cannabis is already widely available through illegal channels. They say a regulated system would ensure safer products, reduce black-market activity, and bring in new tax revenue for the state.
The broader cannabis industry, including established entities like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), will be hoping that this particular legalization attempt succeeds and adults who wish to consume marijuana recreationally have the opportunity to access the products they need from legal outlets within the state.
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