New Hampshire may be known for its libertarian values and low taxes, but it is among the few states in the region that prohibits the possession of marijuana. Despite strong polls showing support for legalization, the state has not yet made it a reality.
That’s why the ACLU of New Hampshire is working with a broad coalition to push for the legalization and regulation of marijuana sales in New Hampshire, including through retail shops and home cultivation.
Legality
New Hampshire law allows medical marijuana to be used to treat a wide range of conditions. Patients and caregivers can obtain a registry ID card from the state’s Therapeutic Cannabis Program (TCP).
The TCP maintains a confidential list of qualifying patients, their caregivers, and their certified medical providers. A patient can be approved to use medical marijuana if they are 18 years old or older and have a written certification from a physician.
But it’s not legal to consume or possess marijuana in public. People caught with it can be charged with a misdemeanor, resulting in fines and jail time.
Legislative efforts to make marijuana legal have failed in recent years, but supporters are hoping to see an uptick this year. A bipartisan bill in the House would legalize recreational pot for adults over 21, regulate and tax retail sales, and annual records of past possession offenses.
Supporters say the legislation if passed, could help curb drug addiction, improve health and safety, and generate much-needed revenue for the state. But it’s uncertain whether the Senate will allow the measure to move forward.
Taxes
Marijuana tax rates vary across states, but they generally cover the cost of regulating marijuana and keep it legal. However, they can add up and be a financial burden for consumers.
In New Hampshire, a state that has sold itself on its libertarian reputation, taxation is often viewed as a luxury. But with the passage of marijuana legalization laws in several states, including Maine and Massachusetts, taxes on the drug could be a source of revenue for the Granite State.
A coalition of civil rights and policy groups, including the ACLU of New Hampshire and conservative group Americans for Prosperity – New Hampshire – is backing a bipartisan bill to legalize cannabis and regulate and tax retail sales. Most of the money would be earmarked for state pensions and substance abuse prevention, while some would flow to towns that allow retail sales and law enforcement.
House Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm said he was proud to introduce the legislation. He emphasized the long-term harm that unjust arrests have on people of color and that polling shows a majority of Granite Staters support legalization.
Dispensaries
If you’re looking to buy weed in New Hampshire, you’ll need to find a dispensary that is licensed to sell medical marijuana. You can do this by looking online or visiting a local cannabis store in your area.
The state’s medical cannabis program was put into place by Governor Maggie Hassan in 2013. Patients can access cannabis from regulated, licensed alternative treatment centers (ATCs) as long as they have a qualifying condition.
In addition, patients can designate a caregiver to pick up their medicine on their behalf, but the person must be at least 18 years old and approved by Health and Human Services.
NH’s marijuana laws are similar to those of other states, allowing home growers to cultivate up to six plants per household and possess no more than three ounces of dried cannabis. It also allows convicted marijuana offenders to have their criminal records expunged.
Regulations
The legality of marijuana is often a hotly debated issue, especially in New Hampshire. As a result, the state has faced many challenges in trying to regulate the drug.
While a majority of Granite State residents support legalizing marijuana for recreational use, the legislature has repeatedly failed to pass bills that would allow it. Those bills have met with opposition from Republican governor Chris Sununu and his office.
Thankfully, a coalition of groups including the ACLU of New Hampshire and Americans for Prosperity is backing an ambitious bill that would legalize cannabis, regulate and tax retail sales and allow cultivation at home.
It may seem like an easy win for advocates, but legalization is still a difficult process that requires legislation to pass through the legislature and then be approved by the executive branch. Until that happens, the effort will continue to face obstacles. In the meantime, stay informed and make sure your lawmakers know you support legalization!
