New Hampshire Moves Closer to Marijuana Legalization with Key House Votes

5 March 2025

New Hampshire’s House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted in favor of two marijuana-related bills. HB 198, sponsored by Rep. Jared Sullivan (D), would legalize possession of up to two ounces of cannabis flower, 10 grams of concentrate, and cannabis products with up to 2,000 milligrams of THC for adults 21 and older. However, the bill does not permit retail sales or home cultivation. Meanwhile, HB 190, introduced by Rep. Heath Howard (D), seeks to double the allowable possession limit for medical marijuana patients from two to four ounces and increase their 10-day purchase limits accordingly. Both bills now move forward in the legislative process.

Despite these advances, broader efforts to establish a regulated commercial cannabis market remain stalled. A separate bill, HB 186, which would have set up a licensing system for recreational marijuana sales, has been put on hold for further deliberation. Some lawmakers cite concerns over the structure of the potential market, particularly issues related to state control over sales.

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