New Hampshire decriminalizes cannabis possession

The New Hampshire has decided to reduce penalties for cannabis possession. State Governor Chris Sununu signed a bill on Thursday, July 18, to decriminalize cannabis. This was the eighth time since 2008 that the House of Representatives had sought to decriminalize cannabis.

BREAKING: New Hampshire Gov. Sununu has just signed the bill!

Now all of New England is a marijuana-legal zone!https://t.co/OqY5i39oQQ pic.twitter.com/YCfEvZ0rGi

— Marijuana Majority (@JoinTheMajority) July 18, 2017

This decision thus eliminates criminal penalties for possession of up to three-quarters of an ounce of cannabis, or 21 grams. Any adult found in possession of up to 21 grams of marijuana or 5 grams of resin will be fined 1,001 TP4T. Subsequent offenses within a three-year period will be punishable by a fine of up to 300 TP4T.

The bill, known as HB 640, will take effect in 60 days and make New Hampshire the 22nd U.S. state to decriminalize cannabis.

A reassuring decision

Until now, possession of cannabis, regardless of the amount, was a criminal offense punishable by one year in prison and a $350 fine. Thus, the state will also become the last of the New England states (which includes the Maine, (including Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Massachusetts) has eliminated the possibility of being incarcerated for simple cannabis possession.

Last May, Vermont Governor Phil Scott passed a bill which would have legalized recreational cannabis. Maine and Massachusetts legalized cannabis last year.

Supporters of cannabis law reform in New Hampshire advocated for this change in part to avoid ruining the lives of young people who were being arrested for cannabis possession.

Matt Simon is a legislative analyst for the Cannabis Policy Project. He has been working since 2007 to reform cannabis laws in New Hampshire. Following this decision, he stated: «All credit goes to the House, which has been passing decriminalization bills since 2008. It’s reassuring to see that the Senate has finally managed to reach an agreement with the House on this issue. This is a major step forward for cannabis policy in New Hampshire.».

Mehdi Bautier