Legislation to legalize recreational marijuana in New Hampshire took a key step forward today, being passed through the Senate Finance Committee following approval by the full House of Representatives and the full Senate through its second reading.
House Bill 1633 received approval from the Senate Finance Committee five days after passing the full Senate’s second reading. It will now be considered for a third and final reading in the Senate, expected this week. The House of Representatives has already passed the measure with a vote of 239 to 136. However, it will need to return to the House for one final vote of concurrence after receiving final approval from the Senate due to the amendments made.
If the House concurs with the Senate’s amendment, it will be sent to Governor Chris Sununu, who says he will sign it into law as amended by the Senate. This would make New Hampshire the 25th state to legalize recreational marijuana, and the 24th to allow recreational marijuana sales (Virginia is the only state to allow legal possession but not licensed sales).
House Bill 1633 would allow those 21 and older to possess and use marijuana, marijuana concentrates, and marijuana-infused products for recreational use. It would establish a system of licensed and regulated marijuana retail outlets, with marijuana taxed at 10%. The legislation would place a cap on marijuana retail outlets, allowing no more than 15 throughout the state.
If the House does not agree with the Senate’s amendments, a conference committee consisting of members from both chambers will be established in order to reconcile the differences and draft a compromise version of the bill that both the House and Senate can agree upon.
Recently, we put New Hampshire on a list of The 5 States That Could Still Legalize Marijuana in 2024. For the full list, click here.
