N.H. House passes simple legalization bill — on to the Senate!

The N.H. House of Representatives voted 208-125 to legalize simple possession of cannabis in the Live Free State. Sixty-two percent of representatives voted in favor of HB 198 to stop punishing adults 21 and older for relaxing with cannabis.

If you live in New Hampshire, let your senator know you want New Hampshire to live up to its "Live Free" motto. It takes just one minute to send a message through our software. You can go the extra mile and also make a phone call to your state senator.

Last year, the New Hampshire House of Representatives and Senate couldn't agree on how to legalize and regulate cannabis sales. Due to that standoff, legislation failed and the Granite State remains an island of prohibition, surrounded by states with more freedom.

HB 198 would take the issue of sales off the table for now and simply legalize possession of modest amounts of cannabis for adults 21 and older, while imposing penalties on smoking in public. It would prevent hundreds of arrests each year and would finally treat adults like grown-ups.

As you likely know, Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R) opposes cannabis legalization. However, at least 16 senators (a veto-proof majority) have either voted "yes" on legalization before or expressed support for legalizing possession and home cultivation.

There will likely be strong pressure put on Republican senators to kill HB 198. That makes it all the more important that senators hear that their constituents expect them to take a principled stance for freedom.