New Hampshire Explores State-Run Cannabis Sales: Governor Sununu Signs Bill for Unique Legalization Study, Easing Access to Therapeutic Cannabis
Governor Chris Sununu has given the green light to New Hampshire to investigate the prospects of legalizing retail cannabis via state-run establishments. This decision was formalized on Tuesday when Sununu signed House Bill 611 into law, which has established a commission tasked with exploring how the state could make cannabis legal.
New Hampshire’s approach to cannabis legalization could be one-of-a-kind, differing from other states that have permitted private companies to manage cannabis sales. Governor Sununu has only supported this state-controlled model, and it’s the sole method he’d endorse as governor.
Currently, New Hampshire maintains the illegality of cannabis possession and use. A partial decriminalization took place in 2017, allowing possession of up to three-quarters of an ounce without arrest, though fines still apply.
Governor Sununu, who took office in 2017, has persistently resisted cannabis legalization efforts by the Legislature, citing concerns about the state’s readiness and the potential impact on the opioid crisis. However, in May, following the rejection of a legalization bill, he shifted his stance and expressed support for a model where the state would oversee the regulation and sale of legal cannabis products. This led to a quick amendment of HB 611 to incorporate the governor’s requested study commission.
Comprising five senators, five House representatives, and members from various legal, law enforcement, medical, and advocacy groups, the commission must deliberate throughout the summer and autumn. They will strive to design a model granting the state complete authority over cannabis sales and distribution while enforcing preventive measures against underage access, community control over retail locations, and the avoidance of “marijuana miles.”
The commission must present its report with recommendations by December 1st, 2023, to be acted upon in the 2024 legislative session, as Governor Sununu, who announced that he would not seek re-election, plans to sign it.
Although Governor Sununu considers the state-run model as the optimal method for managing cannabis sales, some legalization advocates criticize this approach, expressing concerns over a potential state-imposed monopoly and the absence of economic justice for communities adversely affected by cannabis prohibition, such as Black Granite Staters.
House Bill 611 has a broader impact, as it also simplifies the process for patients with chronic pain to access therapeutic cannabis. Effective October 8, the newly signed bill will allow these patients to be prescribed cannabis directly, without the need for them to try other medications first. This is seen as a significant step in providing relief to chronic pain sufferers in New Hampshire.
