New Hampshire voters will vote on legalizing cannabis for the state

The new wave of cannabis legalization is taking a tremendous turn as more states move from prohibition to decriminalization. The days when everyone was against the use of cannabis seem long gone as most states open their borders to legal markets for recreational and medicinal marijuana. This growth continues despite the determined stance of the federal government to classify cannabis as a list I narcotic and thus to make it illegal. Time will tell, however, whether the FDA will change this stance.

The next state to potentially take the step to join New Hampshire’s many states with legal cannabis markets as state lawmakers seek legalization questions from voters. A closer look at the history of cannabis reform in New Hampshire and the prevailing practices of neighboring states like Maine will help paint a good picture of what is applicable in the purple state. There is still a long way to go before legalization can take place in the state, but it seems that the right steps have already been taken.

The Office of Legislative Services received inquiries from state officials. Joshua Adjutant (D), Renny Cushing (D) and Andrew Prout (R) asked questions on the 2022 ballot paper about the constitutional amendment to adult cannabis use needs the support of 60 percent of both houses of law to get on the ballot paper for 2022, but it is the right step in the right direction. The Republican-controlled New Hampshire Senate is not new to cannabis legalization laws, as a bill recently died on its floors during the 2021 session. However, this new approach aims to put power in the hands of the electorate, and 67% of voters are enough to facilitate these changes.

The proposed changes

The first of these changes by Reps Joshua Adjutant seeks to repeal laws that prohibit the use, sale or cultivation of cannabis by anyone over the age of 18. The second amendment by Reps Renny Cushing is a proposal to give adults the right to own cannabis for personal use. Reps. Andrew Prout is also quite similar in that he aims to give all adults the right to own, use, and grow cannabis based on what the legislature dictates.

These changes are not entirely new to New Hampshire voters, nor are they new to the United States. They form the foundation for the open markets in many states where the use of recreational and medicinal marijuana is legal. The move to ask the voters the legalization questions is largely based on the believed public acceptance. According to a poll conducted by Gallup in 2020, 68 percent of Americans support full legalization of cannabis. Similar polls in New Hampshire show a staggering 75 percent support for legalization, which is more than the 67 percent required in the polls to effect the changes.

The New Hampshire House is sure to have a busy time on cannabis as it has two bills legalizing cannabis to vote on. After the bills remain in the committee, the next step is to vote on them by mid-November. With the polls moving rapidly through 2022, it is clear that the talks about cannabis will be the focus of the House for some time to come. For quite some time now, the pressure on the home for adult use legislation in the state has been increasing and this could be exactly when it gets done.

Cannabis markets around New Hampshire

One of the most important factors driving cannabis legalization in New Hampshire is legalization in neighboring states. Maine as a state has open markets for recreational and medical marijuana, which translates into immense revenue for the state. The state recorded a staggering $ 9.4 million in deals in July after 10 months of open season, and the numbers are sure to keep rising. Maine also has very welcoming laws because no matter which state you are from, you can buy marijuana in Maine if you are 21 years or older and have valid identification.

This reality will hit the people of New Hampshire, who since July 2017 have had to get by on medical marijuana and the decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis, and it justified the change. The reality in New Hampshire is that possession of three quarters of an ounce is considered a violation with a reasonable $ 100 fine. However, possession of more than three-quarters of an ounce could result in a year imprisonment and a $ 350 fine.

New Hampshire isn’t the only state hoping to correct some issues with legalizing cannabis in the elections, as it’s already happening in Maryland. Maryland lawmakers are already taking steps to hold a referendum on marijuana legislation on the 2022 ballot. Unfortunately, one of the biggest stumbling blocks in New Hampshire’s cannabis reforms is Governor Chris Sununu’s stance. He is openly against legislation for adult use, but proponents find solace in the fact that his legislative arm is at the center of bringing the decision to the electorate.

Bottom line

New Hampshire is taking significant strides with medical marijuana, and all that’s left is to add adult use laws to it. The governor has signed insomnia, autism spectrum, and opioid use disorders as terms of the state’s medical marijuana program. All that remains now is to properly incorporate adult use legislation to allow the people of New Hampshire to enjoy the full benefits of the natural herb. Only time will tell if the people of New Hampshire have the opportunity to speak out on this issue, but if they can you can be sure of what the majority will say.

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