On Wednesday, the New Hampshire House of Representatives approved HB 369 by a vote of 234-127. If signed into law, HB 369 would legalize the use of cannabis by adults over the age of 21.
“Good legislation that is the result of the goodwill and diligent work of both political parties,” Democratic lawmaker Anita Burroughs said.
“We can now join other New England states that offer safe, regulated and a profitable cannabis industry to their citizens.”
The version of HB 369 that has been approved by state lawmakers in New Hampshire differs slightly from the version that was originally introduced. Most notably, the approved version of HB 369 puts the state’s existing Liquor Commission in charge of the potential cannabis market. Additionally, localities could limit or ban marijuana businesses from operating in their area, but there is no statewide cap on the number of marijuana businesses that could be licensed. Cultivators would be taxed at 15 percent of their monthly gross revenue. Of that amount, 80% of of tax revenue would support an education trust fund and 10% would fund substance misuse treatment programs.
“This bill legalizes the possession and use of cannabis for persons 21 years of age and older. As introduced, the bill would have created a Marijuana Commission and an advisory board with marijuana-interested parties,” a document from the 168th General Court reads.
“The benefit of this legislation is to ensure the safety of cannabis in New Hampshire without forcing New Hampshire citizens to travel to our neighboring states and to create the opportunity for new business to be created in New Hampshire who will pay Business Profit Tax.”
Moving forward, the bill will move to the House Ways & Means Committee before heading back to the House of Representatives and potentially the Senate
