State Representatives Wendy Thomas (D), Heath Howard (D), and Jim Kofalt (R) have prefiled House Bill 53, a bipartisan measure that would access to medical marijuana by allowing qualifying patients to grow their own.
House Bill 53 would establish specific guidelines for home marijuana cultivation. Under the bill, qualifying patients and caregivers who register their cultivation location with the state would be permitted to grow up to three mature cannabis plants, three immature plants, and 12 seedlings. Cultivation must occur at the patient or caregiver’s residence, in a locked and enclosed space, and out of public view.
This effort to expand patient access comes alongside House Bill 75, a broader legalization measure prefiled this week by State Representative Kevin Verville (R). That bill seeks to legalize recreational marijuana for those 21 and older and includes provisions to annul past marijuana-related convictions and remove marijuana from the state’s controlled substances schedule.
Polling indicates growing public support for marijuana reform in New Hampshire, with 65% of residents backing adult-use legalization, and over 75% in support of legalizing medical marijuana. If passed, House Bill 53 would address ongoing concerns from patients about the costs and accessibility of cannabis products from licensed dispensaries.
The legislative session begins on January 8, with both measures set to spark debates over the future of marijuana policy in New Hampshire.
