The New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee recently made significant revisions to a cannabis legalization bill originally passed by the House. This move is seen as a critical step towards potentially legalizing marijuana in the state for the first time. The committee, in a 3-2 vote, advanced the bill after amending it to address concerns raised by Governor Chris Sununu and other stakeholders.
One major amendment, introduced by Senator Daryl Abbas, seeks to increase penalties for public consumption and impose a franchise fee on medical marijuana sales. This version of the bill also outlines a state-run franchise system to oversee retail cannabis shops, managed by the state’s Liquor Commission. The bill now heads to the Senate floor for further debate and possible additional amendment.
First Time For New Hampshire
The committee’s decision represents a historic moment as it marks the first time a cannabis legalization bill has successfully advanced through a Senate panel in New Hampshire. However, some advocates express concerns about the stricter penalties and additional taxes introduced in the amendments, arguing these could negatively impact patients and consumers.
Despite the progress, the path forward remains uncertain as the bill must still pass through the full Senate and potentially other committees before reaching the governor’s desk. Governor Sununu has indicated a willingness to consider legalization under specific conditions, which this revised bill aims to meet.
