The New Hampshire Senate committee voted 3-2 to reject a House-passed bill legalizing adult-use cannabis possession. House Bill 198 aimed to allow adults over 21 to possess limited amounts of cannabis, but Senate lawmakers disagreed with the lack of regulations for a commercial marketplace. This decision makes New Hampshire the only state in New England without adult-use legalization.
Supporters of the bill argue that it would treat adults like grown-ups and align with public support for legalization. They believe it is unfair to arrest individuals for cannabis possession, especially when the substance is safer than alcohol. However, opponents like Sue Homola, from Smart Approaches to Marijuana, argue against legalization due to federal laws and potential risks associated with cannabis use.
Senator Daryl Abbas expressed concerns about allowing cannabis possession without a regulated marketplace, citing risks associated with the black market. Others, like Senator Tara Reardon, believe legalization is a more realistic approach given the large number of adults already using cannabis in the state. Despite differing opinions, the Senate committee ultimately rejected the bill, leaving New Hampshire without adult-use legalization for the time being.
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