New Hampshire state congressman switches from Republican to Independent after rejection of cannabis legalization bill

New Hampshire Rep. Dan Hynes announced on Facebook that he is officially switching parties from the Republican Party to the Independent Party because he believes the Republican Party does not address priorities like defending the Constitution or individual liberties valued more.

In his contribution, he explained that there were three examples that led to his decision. These included his disappointment at lawmakers’ failure to protect both parents’ and children’s rights, and also the recent passage of a budget spending at around 20% because it was rushed and people didn’t have enough had time to read it thoroughly.

Another issue that influenced his decision was that Republicans voted against legalizing cannabis in a nearly unanimous vote. “It is clear that they are out of touch with the overwhelming majority of their constituents and do not respect or advocate for personal freedom,” Hynes said. “I hope Republicans can get back to a smaller government. Until then, I will continue to fight for a smaller government that protects everyone’s constitutional rights as independents.”

The bill Hynes mentioned relates to House Bill 639, passed on May 11, which legalizes recreational cannabis, creates a regulatory framework, introduces a 12.5% ​​tax on cannabis products, and a movement to fund cannabis revenues of research, education, etc. would have put in place drug abuse programs and more.

In May, Senator William Gannon voiced his opposition to HB-639, claiming that legalization would “sell the future of New Hampshire’s youth for cash the way Judas sold Jesus for shiny coins.”

Following the rejection of the bill, Senator Becky Whitley and Senator Shannon Chandley released their personal statements on the issue. “Today’s failure to pass HB-639 means that New Hampshire will continue to lose significant revenue as our residents purchase their cannabis products in neighboring states, and will continue to suffer significant damage from the marijuana ban,” Whitley said. “Granite Starters have waited long enough for cannabis legalization in our state, and the Senate majority intends to keep our citizens waiting even longer.”

In early January, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu’s office said a bipartisan approach to cannabis legalization would never reach Sununu’s desk. “It has repeatedly failed in the Senate, both in the years that the Republicans and the years that the Democrats controlled it,” the office said. “Given the rise in drug use and overdoses among teenagers, don’t expect lawmakers to see this as a time to ignore and push the data.”

However, in May, Sununu released another statement of its support for cannabis legalization, which focuses on harm reduction. “NH is the only New England state where recreational use is not legal. Given that the majority of our residents support legalization, it’s safe to assume that change is inevitable. Ignoring this reality would be short-sighted and harmful,” Sununu explained. “That’s why I’m willing, with the right policies and framework, to sign a legalization bill that puts New Hampshire State in the lead and focuses on harm reduction, not profits.”

Sununu ended his statement with a clear outlook on the types of cannabis legislation he will and will not veto. “I support the proper legalization of marijuana — with this legislature — rather than risking an ill-conceived framework that could inevitably be passed under a future governor or legislature. Should lawmakers pass future legalization legislation without these provisions, they will be vetoed,” Sununu said. “This is the best way forward for our state, and I am ready and willing to work with lawmakers so we can introduce a legalization bill that is smart, sustainable, and preserves the fabric and culture of our state.”

A survey released in March 2022 by the University of New Hampshire found that 74% of residents support the legalization of cannabis.