Bipartisan Duo Plans To File New Bill To Legalize Marijuana In NH, Here's What's In It

The two New Hampshire lawmakers, one Republican and the other Democrat, seem to share a common interest – cannabis.

House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R) and Minority Leader Matt Wilhelm (D) have joined forces to file a bill to legalize recreational cannabis for the 2023 session, reported Marijuana Moment.

What's In The Bill

The bipartisan measure would allow those over 21 to possess or give away up to 4 ounces of marijuana and also clear records of past marijuana possession offenses. In addition, marijuana sales would be taxed at 8.5%. The bill would also set up a new market with state-approved retailers to sell cannabis.

Cultivation of up to six plants, including three of which may be mature, and possession of marijuana produced at home would also be allowed under the new legislation.

"The House has long stood united in finding a pathway to getting this done for Granite Staters," Osborne said. "With any luck, the Senate will come around to supporting the will of the vast majority of New Hampshire citizens."

Previous (Failed) Efforts

New Hampshire's Senate members have struck down the two previously House-passed bills that would have legalized marijuana in April.

The noncommercial legislation from Osborne's GOP colleague Rep. Carol McGuire was killed in a 9-15 vote, while another bill - from Rep. Daryl Abbas (R) - that would have set up an adult-use market run by the state's Liquor Commission was also defeated by the Senate, on a voice vote.

Now, House members behind the latest legalization effort are hoping to get the new bill approved by Senate members in 2023.

"Legalization of adult possession of small amounts of cannabis is the right thing to do for New Hampshire and we must get it done in 2023," Wilhelm said.

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