New Hampshire House Approves Marijuana Legalization Bill
CONCORD, NH The New Hampshire House of Representatives approved a bill to make marijuana legal for adultson Tuesdayby a vote of 207-139.
The bill will now move to the Senate, where it will be assigned to a committee and given a public hearing before being voted on by the full Senate.
House Bill 656, which was introduced last session by Rep. Glen Aldrich (R-Gilford), would make possession of three-quarters of an ounce of marijuana legal for adults aged 21 and older. Home cultivation of up to three mature and three immature plants would be legal for adults as well.
The House deserves tremendous credit for taking this reasonable step forward. Most Granite Staters understand that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol, and theyre ready to see it treated that way, said Matt Simon, Manchester-based New England political director for the Marijuana Policy Project. Allowing adults 21 and older to grow a few plants without penalty will give them a much-needed alternative to buying from illicit dealers.
Last year, the New Hampshire Legislature voted overwhelmingly to replace criminal penalties for simple marijuana possession with civil penalties. Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signed the bill into law.
Eight states have enacted laws legalizing and regulating marijuana for adult use ...
