The New Hampshire legislature recently approved a proposal to legalize the personal use and possession of recreational cannabis. However, the bill does not include provisions for the regulated sale of marijuana. The legislation, known as HB 75 and sponsored by Representative Kevin Verville, was passed in the House through a voice vote in Thursday’s afternoon session.
If enacted, the measure would eliminate criminal penalties for adults aged 21 and above who possess or use cannabis. Despite this, the proposal does not establish a regulated market for sales. Public consumption would remain prohibited under the law.
Individuals under 21 would still be restricted from possessing or using cannabis. If found in violation, they would face legal consequences, with those under 18 required to undergo a screening.
Before the vote, Representative Jodi Newell voiced her support for the bill. She highlighted the strong public demand for ending cannabis criminalization, noting that many residents of New Hampshire rely on it for various personal uses, such as aiding sleep, enhancing mood, or providing a morning boost.
She also shared personal experiences, revealing that alcohol had taken the life of her brother and that her husband had died from a heroin overdose. “Yet we continue to believe that our citizens cannot be trusted to use marijuana responsibly,” she said. “We are aware that consuming a lethal dose of marijuana is virtually impossible, and we recognize that it poses far less risk than substances that have tragically claimed the lives of my loved ones and perhaps many of yours.”
During last week’s legislative hearing, Representative Jared Sullivan pointed out that the state would not be the first to legalize marijuana use and possession while maintaining restrictions on sales.
Opposing the bill, Representative Terry Roy argued that if cannabis were to be legalized, it should be done in a more structured manner. “We’ve attempted this multiple times, with around 50 different measures over the years. None have succeeded, and this one won’t either,” he said.
“We need a plan that includes safeguards for children and appropriate regulations rather than a haphazard approach.”
The state Senate approved a measure to legalize marijuana last year, despite then-Governor Chris Sununu’s pledge to veto any such cannabis measure. The state’s current governor, Kelly Ayotte, has also expressed opposition to recreational cannabis legalization, making it likely that she would veto HB 75 should it reach her desk.
Leading cannabis industry actors like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) will be watching the developments in New Hampshire and hoping that the adults there who wish to access recreational marijuana products in the state one day get to do so legally.
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