New Hampshire’s Senate Judiciary Committee has given approval to a bill to legalize recreational marijuana, which has already been passed through the full House of Representatives.
The Judiciary Committee’s passage of House Bill 1633 —by a vote of 3 to 2— marks the first time a Senate committee in New Hampshire has ever given approval to a marijuana legalization bill. HB 1633 was passed by the House of Representatives last month with overwhelming support, with the vote being 239 to 136.
Filed by State Representative Erica Layon (R), the proposed law would allow those 21 and older to possess and use marijuana for recreational use. The measure would establish a system of licensed, taxed and regulated marijuana retail outlets, with marijuana taxed at 10%. The Senate Judiciary Committee amended the bill to alter the specifics of the legal marijuana industry, meaning it will need to go back to the House for another vote if it passes the full Senate.
Governor Sununu has long opposed legalizing marijuana; however, in recent months, he has stated he would sign a marijuana legalization bill if sales are restricted to state-operated stores. In November, he remarked that marijuana legalization in New Hampshire is “inevitable”.
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.
