New Hampshire Senate Passes Landmark Adult-Use Cannabis Bill

23 May 2024

The New Hampshire Senate approved House Bill 1633, a significant step toward legalizing adult-use cannabis in the state. If enacted, New Hampshire will become the 25th state to regulate cannabis sales and the first to implement a state-run franchise model for retail dispensaries. This distinctive approach, modeled after the state’s liquor control system, is designed to ensure strict regulatory oversight and public safety. The legislation, which now returns to the New Hampshire House of Representatives for review, could allow legal cannabis possession and sales beginning January 1, 2026.

Key provisions of the bill include limiting possession to 2 ounces of cannabis, enhancing penalties for violations such as sales to minors, and granting cultivation licenses to local agricultural experts. However, the proposed state-controlled cannabis retail system has sparked debate. Proponents emphasize its potential to regulate the market effectively, while critics question its transparency and compatibility with federal marijuana laws.

If passed, the legislation could stimulate New Hampshire’s economy through cannabis tax revenue and job creation, though the delayed implementation may slow immediate benefits. Public health and safety remain central to the debate, but studies cited during the Senate hearings suggest no significant rise in youth cannabis use in states that have legalized adult use.