Cannabis in New Hampshire

Cannabis in New Hampshire is illegal for recreational use and decriminalized for possession of up to three-quarters of an ounce (21 g) as of July 18, 2017. Medical use is legal through legislation passed in 2013. As of December 2024, New Hampshire is the only state left within the New England and North-East corner area of the USA yet to legally allow recreational cannabis.^[1]

Medical cannabis (2013)

In July 2013, New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan signed into law a bill allowing the use of medical cannabis for patients with "chronic or terminal diseases" and "debilitating medical conditions." The bill was noted as one of the stricter medical marijuana bills in the nation, allowing cannabis only after all other treatment methods have failed.^[2] Hassan also modified the measure, prohibiting patients from growing their own cannabis.^[3]

In July 2024, the Governor signed an extensive omnibus bill - that passed the legislature further enhanced reforms and expansion of medical cannabis and other related items. This does not include cannabis legalisation however, which failed.^[4]

Failed legalization (2014)

On January 15, 2014, New Hampshire's legislature voted preliminarily 170 to 162 in favor of House Bill 492, based on Colorado Amendment 64, which would have legalized the personal use of up to 1 ounce (28 g) of marijuana by those over 21 years old as well as production and sale by licensed facilities and dispensaries.^[5]^[6]^[7]

Decriminalization (2017)

On July 18, 2017, New Hampshire decriminalized cannabis, replacing misdemeanor charges with a $100 fine for a first or second offense and $300 for a third offense. Four offenses within three years would result in misdemeanor charges.^[8] Individuals who refuse to identify themselves to police could still be subject to arrest.^[9]

Legalization of cannabis policy

In May 2023, Governor Chris Sununu said he supports, in principle, the legalization of cannabis^[10] with conditions - despite for years being completely surrounded by jurisdictions already with legalized cannabis in Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts - plus Canada to the north. The New Hampshire House of Representatives passed several bills on cannabis legalization for years - but the New Hampshire Senate takes no action, tables or rejects the bills for years.^[11]^[12]

References

^ [1]
^ Axelson, Ben (July 24, 2013). "Medical marijuana legal in New Hampshire with strict regulations". The Post-Standard. Archived from the original on January 4, 2018. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
^ Knowles, David (July 23, 2013). "New Hampshire legalizes medical marijuana". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on September 24, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
^ https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-hampshire-governor-signs-medical-marijuana-expansion-bill-allowing-more-providers-to-recommend-it-to-patients/ ^{[bare URL]}
^ Love, Norma (December 30, 2013). "NH House To Vote On Legalizing Up To 1 Ounce Of Pot". WBZ-TV. Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
^ Altieri, Erik (January 15, 2014). "After Lengthy Floor Debate, New Hampshire House of Representatives Approves Marijuana Legalization". NORML. Archived from the original on January 22, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
^ Stuart, Hunter (January 15, 2014). "New Hampshire House Gives Preliminary Approval To Legalizing Recreational Marijuana". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on August 6, 2020. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
^ "New Hampshire Decriminalizes Small Amounts Of Marijuana". WBZ-TV. Associated Press. July 19, 2017. Archived from the original on February 19, 2018. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
^ "N.H.'s Marijuana Decriminalization Law Now In Effect, But Do People Know Pot's Still Illegal?". New Hampshire Public Radio. September 18, 2017. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
^ "After years of reluctance, Sununu says he'd now approve marijuana legalization in NH". May 12, 2023.
^ "Gov. Chris Sununu now supports narrow recreational marijuana legalization in New Hampshire". May 12, 2023.
^ "New Hampshire state Senate again rejects marijuana legalization bill". May 11, 2023.

[1] [1]

[2] Axelson, Ben (July 24, 2013). "Medical marijuana legal in New Hampshire with strict regulations". The Post-Standard. Archived from the original on January 4, 2018. Retrieved November 7, 2016.

[3] Knowles, David (July 23, 2013). "New Hampshire legalizes medical marijuana". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on September 24, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2016.

[4] ttps://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-hampshire-governor-signs-medical-marijuana-expansion-bill-allowing-more-providers-to-recommend-it-to-patients/ ^{[bare URL]}

[5] Love, Norma (December 30, 2013). "NH House To Vote On Legalizing Up To 1 Ounce Of Pot". WBZ-TV. Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.

[6] Altieri, Erik (January 15, 2014). "After Lengthy Floor Debate, New Hampshire House of Representatives Approves Marijuana Legalization". NORML. Archived from the original on January 22, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2015.

[7] Stuart, Hunter (January 15, 2014). "New Hampshire House Gives Preliminary Approval To Legalizing Recreational Marijuana". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on August 6, 2020. Retrieved April 16, 2021.

[8] "New Hampshire Decriminalizes Small Amounts Of Marijuana". WBZ-TV. Associated Press. July 19, 2017. Archived from the original on February 19, 2018. Retrieved April 16, 2021.

[9] "N.H.'s Marijuana Decriminalization Law Now In Effect, But Do People Know Pot's Still Illegal?". New Hampshire Public Radio. September 18, 2017. Retrieved April 16, 2021.

[10] "After years of reluctance, Sununu says he'd now approve marijuana legalization in NH". May 12, 2023.

[11] "Gov. Chris Sununu now supports narrow recreational marijuana legalization in New Hampshire". May 12, 2023.

[12] "New Hampshire state Senate again rejects marijuana legalization bill". May 11, 2023.

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