House Bill 75, a measure to legalize recreational cannabis for everyone 21 and older, is set for a public hearing on January 23 at 10 a.m. in the Legislative Office Building, Rooms 202-204.
The hearing will be held by the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, which will hold a hearing on a different legalization bill —House Bill 198— at 1:30pm on the same day.
Filed last month by State Representative Kevin Verville (R), HB 75 would remove all criminal penalties for marijuana possession and cultivation for those 21+.
If enacted, the bill would not only legalize marijuana but also mandate the removal of cannabis from New Hampshire’s controlled drug schedule within 30 days of its effective date. Additionally, it provides for the annulment of all cannabis-related convictions and sentences, requiring courts to dismiss pending charges and vacate existing sentences on the bill’s effective date. The legislation also prohibits state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal cannabis laws.
State Rep. Verville told The Marijuana Herald that the proposal “will almost certainly pass the House”. However, he acknowledged the significant hurdles the bill faces in the state Senate and governor’s office, where opposition remains strong. He says that even if it were to pass the Senate, it’s likely to be vetoed by Governor Kelly Ayotte. The legislature can override a governor’s veto, but only with a 2/3rds majority.
If the bill is approved, the law would take effect on January 1, 2026, making New Hampshire the 25th legal marijuana state.
For the full text of HB 75, click here.
House Bill 198, filed by State Rep. Jared Sullivan (D), would also legalize recreational marijuana. The proposal would allow for the possession of up to two ounces of dried marijuana and 10 grams of concentrates, while establishing a system of licensed and regulated marijuana retail outlets.
For the full text of House Bill 198, click here.
