New Hampshire Senate joins House (and New England) in deciding weed should be decriminalized
CONCORD, N.H. Senators voted Thursday to remove criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of pot, putting New Hampshire on a path to finally join the rest of New England in decriminalizing marijuana.
The bill would change possessing up to three-quarters of an ounce of marijuana from a potential misdemeanor to a violation-level offense. Supporters argued the change will ensure young peoples lives arent ruined by getting caught with weed.
Kids are what we used to be when we were kids. They try things, Republican Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley said. I dont want my kids facing one strike and youre out, because Ive been there.
The Senates 16-7 vote marks a major victory for decriminalization advocates, who have historically seen the upper chamber defeat such bills. The House passed a bill decriminalizing up to 1 ounce earlier this year, and must take a final vote on the Senates version. Prime sponsor Rep. Renny Cushing says the bill will pass the House. Republican Gov. Chris Sununu plans to sign it.
Still, opponents argue decriminalizing marijuana sends the wrong message as New Hampshire battles a drug crisis and could lead to more young people becoming addicted to illicit substances.
This is obviously the wrong message to be sending to my children, the children of New Hampshire, and the governors children, Republican Sen. Bill Gannon said. The federal government has been very clear: Marijuana is illegal and for good reason.
The Senates action Thursday comes a day after Vermonts Legislature became the first in the nation to vote in favor of legalizing marijuana. Maine ...
