House to Vote on Legalization of Pot in NH

A bill that wold legalize the personal use of marijuana in NH in small amounts is scheduled for a vote Jan. 15.

House Bill 492, as amended, would legalize the personal use of marijuana up to one ounce by those 21 years of age or older; authorize the licensing of marijuana wholesale, retail, cultivation, and testing facilities; and impose a tax on the sale of marijuana, in the same way alcohol is regulated here.

In November the CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY committee recommended that the bill should pass with amendment.

The amendment to HB 492 reads in part: 

"In the interest of the efficient use of law enforcement resources, enhancing revenue for public purposes, and individual freedom, the people of the state of New Hampshire find and declare that the use of marijuana should be legal for a person 21 years of age or older and taxed in a manner similar to alcohol.

II.   In the interest of the health and public safety of our citizenry, the people of the state of New Hampshire further find and declare that marijuana should be regulated in a manner similar to alcohol so that:

(a)  Individuals will have to show proof of age before purchasing marijuana;

(b)  Selling, distributing, or transferring marijuana to minors and other individuals under the age of 21 shall remain illegal;

(c)  Driving under the influence of marijuana shall remain illegal;

(d)  Legitimate, taxpaying business people, and not criminal actors, will conduct sales of marijuana; and

(e)  Marijuana sold in this state will be labeled and subject to additional regulations to ensure that consumers are informed and protected.

You can read the entire text of the bill here.

Marijuana advocacy group NORML has created a simple template here where those in favor can add some personal information and submit it to their legislators to let them know they support this bill.

To contact your state rep, here's a list from NH Gen Court website: