New Hampshire Forges Ahead: Gov Sununu Approves Bill To Establish Commission For Cannabis Sales

New Hampshire's marijuana legalization landscape is evolving as Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signs a bill creating a commission to develop legislation for state-operated cannabis stores.

Initially centered on studying state-run cannabis stores, the bill gained traction and an amendment now requires the commission to draft a comprehensive legalization proposal based on their findings, reported Marijuana Moment.

Governor Sununu said: "New Hampshire has an opportunity to safely regulate the sale of marijuana with a model few others can provide. By establishing a commission to study state-controlled sales, this bill will bring stakeholders from across New Hampshire together to ensure that preventing negative impacts upon kids remains our number one priority.”

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Chair of the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee, John Hunt (R) will play a key role in exploring varied legalization approaches, including state-operated shops and dual licensing for medical dispensaries.

About The Legislation

Enacted as law, HB 611 encompasses various aspects, including revising eligibility criteria for the therapeutic cannabis program.

• The legislation also establishes a significant commission to delve into the potential of state-controlled cannabis sales. Additionally, it addresses the prohibition on the sale of hemp products that exceed specified THC levels.
• The bill eliminates a requirement for pain patients to explore opioid treatments before obtaining medical marijuana recommendations.
• It also clarifies that the state's hemp law does not cover intoxicating hemp-derived products.

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Prior to its final approval, amendments were introduced to require the commission to not only study but also draft a state-run legalization proposal, which will be presented for consideration in January, with the commission wrapping up its work by December 1.

Read more here at Marijuana Moment.

Interested to delve deeper into the realm of responsible regulations and collaborative engagement within the cannabis industry? Consider joining us at the 17th edition of the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, which is returning to Chicago on Sept 27-28. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.

Image: New Hampshire license plate