New Hampshire Gov. As legislation to legalize adult marijuana in New Hampshire is making its way through the state legislature, Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R) is reiterating her opposition to the reform—but is also signaling that she may be open to separate legislation that would allow medical cannabis patients to grow their own medicine at home.
Ayotte, who spoke to reporters the previous Wednesday on the same day that House members passed HB 198 which legalized the use and possession marijuana for adults aged 21 or older, said, “I have been clear about this.” “I was elected on this issue and New Hampshire knows where I stand.” I do not support it.”
A former U.S. senator and state attorney general, Ayotte said repeatedly on the campaign trail last year that she would oppose efforts at adult-use legalization.
HB 198 would, if enacted, allow adults 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of marijuana flower, 10 grams of concentrate and up to 2,000 milligrams of THC in other cannabis products. Home cultivation and retail sales of marijuana would be illegal. The consumption of marijuana in public places would be banned.
The proposal, from Rep. Jared Sullivan (D), cleared the chamber last week in a 208–125 vote.
Ayotte stated that there are a few reasons for her opposition to the proposed change. This was reported in an article by InDepthNH.
“I don’t believe it’s the right direction” for many reasons, she said to reporters. If you consider our quality-of-life, or the potential concerns this could cause, I think you’ll agree. I know…we talked about safety on our roadways. There are some issues in these areas that those states which have legalized the cannabis had to deal with. The technology that we have today is not able to address them.
Governor of Granite State, also stated that she is “mindful” of what message it sends to the younger generation when something becomes legalized versus illegal.
Ayotte, despite her comments opposing cannabis legalization in a flat manner, left the door wide open for a more modest reform. She assured reporters she’ll review any bill sent to her office, even a House-passed law that legalized medical marijuana cultivation at home by registered patients.
That bill—HB 53, from Rep. Wendy Thomas (D), would allow cultivation of up to three mature plants and three immature plants, as well as 12 seedlings. These plants could be used to produce up eight ounces usable cannabis by patients.
The state would require that growing take place in a safe location away from the public eye or unauthorised access. The landlords of rented property could also prohibit the cultivation.
Other bills passed by New Hampshire House lawmakers last Wednesday would reduce penalties for the use and possession of psilocybin by adults and double the amount of medical cannabis that state-registered patients can purchase and possess.
Under the psilocybin plan—HB 528, from Rep. Kevin Verville (R)—a first psilocybin offense for possession or use would be a violation, subject to a fine of $100 or less.
The second and third offenses would fall under class B misdemeanors. They could be punished with fines up to $1,000 and $500 respectively. However, there is no jail sentence. Fourth and subsequent offences would still be felonies.
As the law is currently written, sales and distribution are still prohibited. The reform will only affect “anyone 18 years or older” who purchases, obtains, transports or uses the drug.
As originally introduced, the legislation would have completely removed penalties around obtaining, purchasing, transporting, possessing or using psilocybin, effectively legalizing it on a noncommercial basis. However a House committee amended the bill before unanimously advancing it earlier this month.
A Senate committee heard testimony earlier last week on four bills passed by the House that dealt with cannabis. These included the bill for medical home cultivation, an adult-use measure to legalize cannabis, and legislation to annul previous cannabis convictions.
The hemp cannabinoid bill would allow New Hampshire’s existing medical marijuana dispensaries—known in the state as alternative treatment centers (ATCs)—to buy nonintoxicating cannabinoid products from commercial producers and, after lab testing, use them in products sold to state-registered patients.
This bill does not include hemp-derived THC, but rather non-intoxicating cannabis cannabinoids. Cannabidiol and cannabigerol were given as examples.
As for the other marijuana legalization bill that is advancing this session—HB 75, from Rep. Verville—it would remove state penalties around cannabis-related conduct for adults 21 and older. The bill would also not set up a commercial licensed market nor a more comprehensive regulatory system, unlike other legalization measures.
Verville’s proposal does not limit marijuana possession, or even cultivation. It would also exempt marijuana from state laws that prohibit illicit drug sales, despite the lack of any regulatory framework for commercial industries.
If they are found to be in possession of or using this substance, people under the age of 21 will be charged with a criminal offense. Those under the age 18 may be subjected to an assessment for addiction disorders. Cannabis use by adults in a public area would also constitute a crime.
New Hampshire lawmakers nearly passed legislation last session that would have legalized and regulated marijuana for adults—a proposal that then-Gov. Chris Sununu had stated that he supported the idea. Infighting about how to set up the market ultimately led to its demise. House Democrats narrowly voted to table it at the last minute, taking issue with the proposal’s state-controlled franchise model, which would have given the state unprecedented sway over retail stores and consumer prices.
A poll from last June found that almost two thirds (65 percent) of New Hampshire residents supported legalizing marijuana. About the same number (61%) of residents said they also supported HB 1633, the failed legalization measure from last session.
Federal Health Officials ‘Rejected’ DEA’s Request To Testify At Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing, Agency Tells Judge
Philip Steffan provided the photo.