The New Hampshire Senate Committee voted down three pro-marijuana measures during an hearing held this week. However, technically, each bill could pass when it is presented to the Senate floor at a later date in the session.
Marijuana Moment reports that the Senate Judiciary Committee rejected on Tuesday three bills previously approved by the House of Representatives. One of those measures would have allowed recreational use of cannabis.
House Bills 75 and 53 were the bills presented. HB53 would allow medical marijuana users to cultivate marijuana at home. HB51 would let medical marijuana producers purchase hemp cannabinoids that are non-intoxicating and use them in products.
The Committee chose to not act on a fourth Bill, HB 196. It is a bill that relates to expunging cannabis criminal records.
Although observers had not expected New Hampshire to legalize recreational cannabis use this year – particularly due to opposition from Gov. Kelly Ayotte – several told Marijuana Moment they were crestfallen that lawmakers also refused to advance “modest” medical cannabis expansions.
Matt Simon, GraniteLeaf Cannabis’ spokesman, said to Marijuana Moment: “It seems that some senators want to just kill any bill dealing with cannabis policy. No matter how modest or noncontroversial it is.”
The Senate still has to deal with HB 198 which was approved by the House only last month.
As of now, New Hampshire is the only New England state that has not legalized cannabis for adult use.