New NH Marijuana Legalization Bill Unveiled

CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire lawmakers are gearing up for another vote on legalizing marijuana in 2019. Lawmakers on Thursday finalized a legalization bill that reportedly would allow for retail pot shops and grant adults over the age of 21 the right to possess an ounce of the drug and grow six plants on their property. State Rep. Renny Cushing, a Hampton Democrat, provided NHPR with a copy of the bill.

"We’re on the right side of history," Cushing told NHPR.

Lawmakers have attempted to legalize marijuana in recent years but Republican majorities have halted several plans. However, Democrats in November retook control of the legislature in the November midterm election and the upcoming 2019 vote is expected to pass. Republican Gov. Chris Sununu has said he will veto any legalization bill.

Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont have legalized marijuana. Massachusetts' first retail pot shops opened last month and several are located within an hour's drive of the New Hampshire border.

New Hampshire residents face $100 fines if they are caught with the drug in the Granite State.

The Democrat-controlled legislature is also expected to vote on paid family leave in 2019.

Sununu, whose re-election in November was one of the few bright spots for Republicans during the midterms, acknowledged the new political atmosphere during his victory speech.

"The next two years are going to be a little bit different," Sununu said. "But that's OK. That's New Hampshire."

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