New Hampshire Assembly approves cannabis legalization

A bill to legalize the use, cultivation, and donation of cannabis in New Hampshire has been approved by the state House of Representatives by a vote of 236 to 112. The bill must now go to the Senate before it can become law.

The bill HB 1648 does not plan to legalize the commercial production or sale of cannabis. Just like it was in Vermont, adults aged 21 and older would be allowed to grow six plants, including three flowering plants, and legally give up to three-quarters of an ounce of cannabis (21 grams) to other adults.

The public use of cannabis would remain prohibited and would be punishable by a fine of up to 1,001 TP4T.

«This is something the people of New Hampshire want. They don’t want to be treated like criminals if they have a plant,» said Renny Cushing, chairman of the House Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.

In 2018, New Hampshire had already voted on a bill to legalize full legalization of cannabis. However, the Senate had rejected the bill, and that was the end of it.

Earlier this month, the Senate of the New Hampshire approved the cultivation for home delivery of medical cannabis, which is still awaiting the governor’s approval.

A recent poll found that 76% of Vermont residents supported allowing adults to purchase cannabis «from small, regulated, and taxable businesses.».