Simple legalization bill heads to N.H. House floor

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. This year, Rep. Jared Sullivan's HB 198 would take that question off the table and simply legalize possession of modest amounts of cannabis for adults 21 and older.

HB 198 is out of committee and headed to the House floor. If you live in New Hampshire, let your state reps and senator know you want them to vote "yes" to let Granite Staters live free.

HB 198 would prevent hundreds of arrests each year. It would finally treat adults like grown-ups, and let them make their own decisions about cannabis. 

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 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.

There are also several other positive reforms making their way through the legislature, including an MPP-backed automatic annulment bill (HB 196), and bills to allow home cultivation by patients (HB 53) and double medical cannabis possession limits (HB 190).