State Representative Kevin Verville (R) filed House Bill 75 today, which seeks to legalize marijuana for everyone 21 and older in New Hampshire.
House Bill 75, which has been referred to the referred to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, includes comprehensive provisions that would remove marijuana from the state’s controlled substances schedule, annul past cannabis-related convictions, and prohibit state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal cannabis laws. If passed, the legislation would keep underage possession and public use of marijuana illegal, while creating a pathway for licensed regulated marijuana use among adults.
This filing comes amid growing public support for marijuana legalization in the state. According to recent polling, 65% of New Hampshire residents back legalization for adult use. Earlier this year, a similar measure, House Bill 1633, passed the state Senate but was narrowly defeated in the House by a vote of 178-173.
If enacted, the bill would take effect on January 1, 2026, positioning New Hampshire to join other New England states in embracing adult-use marijuana legalization.
House Bill 75 was prefiled for introduction in the forthcoming legislative session, which begins on January 8.
