NH House subcommittee studies marijuana legalization

August 31, 2010

CONCORD, New Hampshire: An interim subcommittee composed of five members of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee is conducting a legislative study of marijuana legalization in New Hampshire. The subcommittee has met twice this summer, with their last meeting on September 7. The report is expected to be presented to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in November.

The study is based on House Bill 1652, which was sent to the Criminal Justice subcommittee earlier this year, when House members decided it needed more study. The bill would allow adults to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana, while also allowing state regulation and taxation of the sale of marijuana. Chair of the interim subcommittee Shannon Chandley said that she is on the fence over the issue, but that several members of the subcommittee support legalization.

Last year the House approved a bill that would have decriminalized possession of up to one-fourth of an ounce of marijuana, but it was defeated in the Senate. Two years ago the House and Senate both approved a medical marijuana bill, but it was vetoed by Gov. John Lynch.

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