CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire House is not giving up on legalizing marijuana, even in the face of opposition from the state Senate and the governor.
A new Marijuana Bill moved forward Tuesday, advancing out of the cannabis-friendly House Commerce Committee to the House floor, where it could get a vote early next year. "This is an issue that most people in New Hampshire support, and if we don't keep talking about it, the people of New Hampshire are never going to get what they want," said state Rep. Jared Sullivan, D-Bethlehem.
House Bill 186 would legalize cannabis for users 21 or older. It would also open up home cultivation.
Smoking cannabis in public would be banned, but it would only be a violation-level offense. Sales of cannabis would be taxed under the existing rooms and meals tax, generating an estimated $27 million per year.
"It would allow people who want to open one to be able to open one without having to worry about a cap on licenses, which was a big controversy in 2024," Sullivan said.
While there appeared to be an opening for legalization last year, some say the current reality is going to put the issue on hold at least until the next election.
"The discussion is over," said state Rep. John Potucek, R-Derry. "The Senate said no. The governor says no."
Given Gov. Kelly Ayotte's firm opposition to legalization, even lawmakers who voted to advance the bill understand there's only so far the debate can go, for now.
"I supported the bill, but I have no illusions that this is ever going to become law," said state Rep. John Hunt, R-Rindge.
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