New Hampshire’s House has given approval to legislation that would allow individuals with past marijuana-related offenses to petition for annulment of their records, as well as legislation to allow patients to grow their own marijuana.
The House of Representatives today gave approval to House Bill 53, as well as House Bill 196.
Filed by State Representatives Wendy Thomas (D), Heath Howard (D), and Jim Kofalt (R), House Bill 53 would allow qualified patients, as well as designated caregivers, to grow up to three mature cannabis plants, three immature plants and up to 12 seedlings. The measure was approved overwhelmingly, 328 to 42.
House Bill 196, filed by a bipartisan group of five lawmakers, would allow individuals with past convictions for possessing up to two ounces of marijuana and five grams of hash to petition for annulment. If no prosecutor objects within 14 days, the court must grant the request. Objections require clear and convincing evidence that the offense doesn’t qualify or annulment isn’t in the interests of justice.
Both measure will soon be sent to the New Hampshire Senate. Approval through the Senate would send the proposals to Governor Kelly Ayotte.
Also today, the New Hampshire House approved House Bill 75, which would remove criminal penalties for possessing and using marijuana and marijuana-infused products.
