Despite Senate President Jeb Bradley’s opposition to legalization — and his stated preference that legalization die — he did not stack the committee of conference on legalization (HB 1633) with prohibitionists. Sen. Bradley appointed himself and two “yes” votes and negotiated in good faith.

The House should be proud that it got significant changes, which will ensure the survival of ATCs (medical dispensaries) and reduce criminalization. Now, the House and Senate have until Thursday, June 13 to pass the negotiated bill.

Ask your lawmakers to vote “yes” on HB 1633.

The changes approved by the committee of conference are:

1. prioritizing the licensure of ATCs (alternative treatment centers)
2. removing criminalization of passengers for non-inhaled consumption of cannabis in cars
3. fixing a technical error introduced in Senate Finance that nullified several sections of the bill (restoring the immediate effective date allowing ATCs to convert to be for-profit)
4. adding one more industry representative to the cannabis control commission
5. until legalization takes effect on January 1, 2026, increasing the decriminalized amount from ¾ ounce to one ounce (the amount that is legal in Massachusetts and Vermont)

We’re grateful to the conferees for their diligent work while they juggle many other conference committees, as virtual volunteers!

We’ll have plenty of work to do in future years to improve HB 1633. But now is the window to get legalization done. Please write your legislators and spread the word!

Live Free, New Hampshire!

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For the first time ever, the New Hampshire Senate voted to legalize cannabis last week!

The Senate also adopted both positive and concerning amendments to HB 1633. It capped the number of businesses of one type a person could own at one instead of three — a key priority for many NH advocates. But it also turned an advisory board that could be stacked with prohibitions into a binding commission. And it failed to act on an amendment to prioritize ATCs (medical businesses) and to give a shot to other small businesses.

On the bright side, the Senate rejected an amendment with a 15% THC cap on cannabis products, along with other concerning provisions.

More work is needed to improve the bill, but we can't let this chance to legalize slip away. This may be the last window for years. Gov. Chris Sununu is not running for re-election and leading Republican candidates Kelly Ayotte and Chuck Morse are prohibitionists.

HB 1633 now heads to the Senate Finance Committee. From there, it would get a second Senate floor vote before heading back to the House to concur or nonconcur. Amendments are possible both in committee and on the second floor vote.

If you live in New Hampshire, ask your state senator to improve HB 1633 and make this the year NH stops being an island of prohibition.

The news was bleaker for the other bills to advance cannabis justice and freedom. Three important bills were referred to interim study:

• HB 1539, an MPP-backed bill which would annul cannabis convictions and create a process for re-sentencing cannabis offenders if doing so is in the interests of justice.
• HB 1231, which would allow qualifying patients and designated caregivers to cultivate therapeutic cannabis, and
• HB 82, which codifies employment protections for therapeutic cannabis patients.

Meanwhile, HB 1278, which allows prescribers to certify adult patients for therapeutic cannabis for any debilitating medical condition, was pushed back. It is now scheduled for a floor vote on Wednesday. Consider calling your senator in support of HB 1278. All prescriptions can be prescribed off-label, for conditions other than the ones they are approved for. Prescribers should also be allowed discretion to recommend cannabis for other debilitating medical conditions.

Make your voice heard! And stay tuned for updates.

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Ask your senator to improve and pass the legalization bill

Today and tomorrow, the New Hampshire Senate will be voting on a long list of bills, including cannabis legalization (HB 1633), annulment + resentencing (HB 1539), and legalizing home cultivation for therapeutic cannabis (HB 1231)!

Ask your state senator to make this the year NH stops being an island of prohibition.

For the first time ever, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a legalization bill last week. Before doing so, it passed an amendment that includes changes that are essential to getting past the governor.

Unfortunately, the amendment also includes revisions that were not demanded by the governor and that make the bill worse. It removes language prioritizing ATCs that have been operating in compliance with New Hampshire law and serving patients, while adding language that grants licenses based on experience operating out-of-state cannabis companies. It would make it all-but impossible for Granite State farmers, shop owners, and others who haven't run cannabis companies to enter the new industry.

The full Senate is expected to vote tomorrow on the House-passed legalization bill, the Senate Judiciary amendment, and probably both good and bad amendments — including poison pills like capping THC unreasonably low. If the Senate passes HB 1633, it will likely go to a second Senate committee and then have a second Senate floor vote before returning to the House to concur or nonconcur.

This may be the last window to legalize cannabis in New Hampshire for years. Gov. Chris Sununu is not running for re-election and leading Republican candidates Kelly Ayotte and Chuck Morse are prohibitionists. It's crucial that HB 1633 gets through the Senate. But it's also important your senator hears you want them to make the bill better first.

Write your senator today to ask them to support legalization, but to give New Hampshire small businesses a fair shot at licensing.

In addition to legalization, the Senate agenda includes other bills to advance cannabis justice and freedom:

• HB 1539, an MPP-backed bill which would annul cannabis convictions and create a process for re-sentencing cannabis offenders if doing so is in the interests of justice.
• HB 1278, which allows prescribers to certify adult patients for therapeutic cannabis for any debilitating medical condition.
• HB 1231, which allows qualifying patients and designated caregivers to cultivate therapeutic cannabis.
• HB 82, which codifies employment protections for therapeutic cannabis patients.

Consider calling your senator in support of one or all of these important bills. Make your voice heard! And stay tuned for updates.

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On Thursday, April 25, the Senate Judiciary Committee will be holding hearings on two bills that would transform cannabis policy in the Granite State — legalization bill HB 1633 and annulment/resentencing bill HB 1539.

This is Gov. Sununu’s last year in office, and the next governor may be unwilling to sign any legalization bill. We can’t let this opportunity to end prohibition slip away.

We’re urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to pass both bills and to make modest revisions to HB 1633 to address the issues outlined by the governor and avoid his veto. However, it’s also important the Senate avoid a complete rewrite of the bill, which could result in a non-concurrence in the House.  

Make your voice heard, either in written testimony or in person:

When: Thursday, April 25 — starting at 1:30 p.m., with HB 1539 first

Where: Room 100, State House, Concord, NH

What: Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on legalization bill HB 1633 and annulment/resentencing bill HB 1539.

For background, check out this NH Bulletin article, along with my testimony on HB 1633 and HB 1539. You can also find resources on legalization on our library.

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On Thursday, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted 239-136 to send Rep. Erica Layon’s legalization bill (HB 1633) to the state Senate. Time and time again, the Senate has killed legalization. But this year, there is a window of opportunity to get it done.

Let your senator know that it’s past time the Live Free State lives up to its name.

Twenty-four other states, including all of New Hampshire’s neighbors, have already legalized cannabis for adults.

For the first time ever, New Hampshire has a governor who has said he’d sign a legalization bill — if it meets his parameters. Gov. Chris Sununu (R) isn’t running again, and the two Republican candidates are longtime prohibitionists. In case the window of opportunity closes, it’s vital that lawmakers seize the opportunity.

Write your senator and spread the word! Let’s make New Hampshire the 25th adult-use legalization state.

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The cannabis legalization movement took major strides forward in 2023, with three more states legalizing adult-use cannabis and one more approving medical cannabis. Now we have our sights set on more promising cannabis policy reform opportunities in the months ahead. Lots of state legislatures are reconvening, and with hundreds of thousands of people still being arrested for cannabis every year, we need to stand up and double down on our mission to end cannabis prohibition nationwide. If we’re able to gather the necessary resources to sustain robust advocacy efforts, these are some of the key states where we have the best shot to secure more victories in 2024!

On the legalization front, there are several states that are on our radar. Efforts to legalize adult-use cannabis are underway in Hawaii, New Hampshire, Florida, and South Dakota. In South Dakota, activists are hopeful to make another attempt at legalizing cannabis for adult use via the 2024 ballot. In Florida, signatures have been submitted to place the question of adult-use legalization on the 2024 ballot, although the initiative is tied up in court. Meanwhile, we are engaged in a legislative push for cannabis legalization in Hawaii and New Hampshire, two states that have become islands of prohibition in recent years as surrounding states have successfully legalized cannabis. Activists are also laying the groundwork in Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, which are all possible prospects, but will likely be a multi-year effort.

There are also a handful of states that are poised to make progress regarding medical cannabis legalization. In South Carolina, a medical cannabis legalization bill will start where it left off in 2023, awaiting a Senate floor vote. Similarly, a medical cannabis bill in North Carolina will pick up in 2024 where it left off — awaiting action by the House of Representatives. In Wisconsin, Republican legislative leaders suggested they may move on medical cannabis this year, but action has been slow to materialize. In Nebraska, patient advocates and community leaders are regrouping after a series of setbacks in recent years and charging ahead with another effort to let voters decide the fate of medical cannabis on the 2024 ballot.

The MPP team has the experience and policy knowledge to help get these efforts across the finish line, but we’re counting on your support to keep driving our movement forward. Chip in today to sustain our work to change laws and change lives state by state!

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In a 9-15 vote, New Hampshire Senate defeats HB 629

Earlier today, the New Hampshire Senate voted down a bill (HB 629) to make it legal for adults who are 21 or older to possess and grow small amounts of cannabis. Only nine of the 24 senators voted for legalization.

Outrageously, the “Live Free or Die” State will remain an island of prohibition — surrounded by jurisdictions where cannabis is legal — for at least another year.

Sen. Becky Whitley led the floor debate in support of HB 629, explaining,  “The so-called war on marijuana has not worked. It does not make us safer, it wastes taxpayer dollars, and it has needlessly ruined lives.”

Polling shows 74% of Granite State voters support legalizing cannabis. But, year after year, the Senate has ignored the will of voters and killed House-passed legalization bills.

As you may recall, a Senate committee unanimously rejected a separate proposal (HB 1598) that would have legalized cannabis possession — but not home cultivation — while creating a state-run monopoly on retail sales. I urged significant amendments, explaining a state-run monopoly on cannabis sales is a poison pill that is extremely unlikely to get up and running due to federal law. The Senate agreed with the committee today, rejecting HB 1598 in a voice vote.

2022 is an election year, so voters will have an opportunity to elect a new Senate. Stay tuned for a voter guide as the election season approaches.

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Ask your state senator to support legalization.

Great news! For the first time ever, legalization has passed a New Hampshire Senate committee and is headed to the Senate floor! This morning, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed HB 629 in a 3-2 vote. HB 629 already passed the House and is now headed to the full Senate.

Ask your state senator to vote “yes” on HB 629, which would legalize simple possession and home cultivation of cannabis. (Check out our summary for more details.)

Meanwhile, New Hampshire State Rep. Daryl Abbas’ bill (HB 1598) to legalize cannabis but create a state-run cannabis monopoly will receive a hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee next Wednesday. Unlike HB 629, HB 1598 does not include home cultivation.

Rep. Abbas’ model for legal sales is almost surely unworkable due to federal law. Requiring state workers to commit federal felonies is preempted (or nullified).

MPP is encouraging the committee to amend HB 1598 in a number of ways — including to at least create a “Plan B” with automatic licensing of privately run retailers in the event that state-run stores don’t get off the ground.

What: Senate Ways and Means Committee hearing on HB 1598, the state-run stores legalization bill

Where: Room 100, State House, 107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03303

When: Wednesday, April 20 at 9:00 a.m.

If you’re not comfortable attending in person but want to make your voice heard on this bill, you can email comments to the committee.

And don’t forget to write your senator to express your support for HB 629. Then, spread the word to other Granite Staters, so they, too, can raise their voices to encourage the state to live up to its “Live Free or Die” motto.

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Urge your senator to support HB 629!

Cannabis legalization is being considered in the Senate this week! Earlier this year, the House passed HB 629 — legislation to legalize possession and limited home cultivation of cannabis for adults 21 and older.

Now, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 629 this Thursday (April 7) beginning at 9 a.m. You can indicate your support for this important legislation and testify in support on Thursday.

If you’re able to visit the State House in person, the hearing will take place in Room 100. There will be a sign-in sheet where you can indicate your position on the bill and (optionally) sign up to testify.

If you’re signing in remotely, here are the steps:

1. Visit this page and select Thursday, April 7 on the calendar.
2. For “Select the Committee,” choose “Senate Judiciary” from the drop-down box.
3. Under “Choose the Bill,” select “9:00 am - HB 629.”
4. For “I am,” select “a member of the public” representing “myself.”
5. Click the bubble to indicate your position on the bill and submit the form.
6. Enter your name, email, and town on the next page and click “continue” to complete the process.

Please email your senator in support of HB 629 ahead of Thursdays hearing! You can check out our summary of the bill here.

In other news, a separate poison pill legalization bill, HB 1598, passed the House last week by a margin of 169-155. It has not yet been scheduled for a hearing in the Senate. The bill would only allow state-run stores to distribute cannabis, which is preempted by federal law. If you agree that HB 1598 is the wrong way to legalize, you can send your senator a message here.

Thanks for your commitment to sensible cannabis policy! After you email your senator today, please forward this message to your networks and encourage them to do the same.

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You can urge your state reps to vote “no” here.

Last week, New Hampshire’s bill to legalize cannabis possession for adults and create a state-run monopoly narrowly passed out of the Ways & Means Committee (12-10). Now, it’s headed to the House floor again. While the committee made some amendments to the bill, it did not address our biggest concerns — HB 1598 would continue to re-criminalize edibles, and it doesn’t even include a Plan B in the likely event that state-run stores fail to get up and running.

States can license and regulate private cannabis businesses, but they cannot direct their own workers to break federal law by selling cannabis. Doing so creates a “direct and positive conflict” and is preempted.

As an organization committed to legalization, it feels odd to oppose a legalization bill. But New Hampshire has several other bills pending that would actually work, and the House already passed one to legalize possession and cultivation earlier this year (HB 629).

We know that cannabis policy reform has a long history of failed attempts, whether by accident or by design. In the 1970s, 1980s, and even in the past decade, dozens of states passed medical cannabis bills that failed to become operational because they weren’t written in a way that considered federal policy. These approaches create false hope and delayed progress on workable bills. We don’t want to see the same thing happen with legalization.

If you agree that HB 1598 is the wrong way to legalize, you can send your state representatives a message here.

You can also check out our updated summary of the bill here, and our testimony on the bill here.

Thanks for your commitment to sensible cannabis policy! Stay tuned for updates.

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