New Hampshire Assembly once again approves cannabis legalization

The New Hampshire House of Representatives has taken another step toward legalizing cannabis by passing a second bill in just over a month aimed at ending prohibition. The state’s Republican governor, Kelly Ayotte, remains opposed to the measure, however.

The House of Representatives Passes a Second Bill to Legalize Cannabis

On March 26, lawmakers voted 208 to 125 in favor of House Bill 198, sponsored by Democratic Representative Jared Sullivan. If enacted, this law will allow adults aged 21 and older to possess up to two ounces (56 grams) of cannabis flower, 10 grams of concentrates, and other products containing up to 2,000 milligrams of THC.

Despite this progress, HB 198 does not provide a framework for commercial sales, leaving the future of a regulated market uncertain. Mr. Sullivan acknowledged that while most lawmakers agree on the need to legalize cannabis, the debate continues over whether the industry should be managed by the state or by the private sector.

«Once cannabis is legalized, we can continue this debate,» Mr. Sullivan said, as reported by Marijuana Moment. «It seems that most people agree that this industry should be legalized.»

Several bills, similar objectives

The passage of HB 198 follows another legalization bill, HB 75, which the House approved about five weeks earlier. Sponsored by Republican Representative Kevin Verville, this bill also aims to decriminalize cannabis possession without establishing a regulated market. Both bills prohibit public consumption and maintain restrictions for those under 21.

Under Mr. Verville’s bill, minors under the age of 18 found in possession of cannabis would be referred to a screening program for drug-use disorders, while minors between the ages of 18 and 21 would be charged with an offense.

Despite the House of Representatives« repeated support for cannabis reform, Governor Kelly Ayotte remains firmly opposed to legalization. Speaking to reporters on March 26, Ms. Ayotte reiterated her position, stating, »I ran on this issue, and the people of New Hampshire know where I stand. I am not in favor of it.”

Ms. Ayotte expressed her concerns about public safety and traffic hazards, citing the challenges faced by other states that have legalized cannabis.

«I think there are a number of issues that states that have legalized cannabis have faced in this regard, and I don’t think current technology can solve them,» she said, according to InDepthNH.

The fate of HB 198 and HB 75 now depends on their approval by the Senate and on whether the legislature can override a potential veto by the governor. A similar scenario had already happened in 2020.