New Hampshire Farmers Support Cannabis Legalization, But Not Gov Sununu's Proposed Model

A survey conducted by the New Hampshire Cannabis Association reveals that a huge majority of farmers support marijuana legalization. Per the report, 87% of farmers are in favor of cannabis legalization and 78% “expressed interest” in cultivating marijuana if it was legal, writes New Hampshire Bulletin. 

This indicates a higher percentage of support than among the general public, according to a University of New Hampshire poll that found 71% support among residents. "71% say they strongly (56%) or somewhat (15%) support such an action, 11% are neutral on the issue, 18% are strongly (13%) or somewhat (5%) opposed, and 1% are unsure."

The farmer's survey results are “really encouraging,” says Jim Riddle, board member of the New Hampshire Cannabis Association and a hemp farmer.

The Details 

Even though interest in cannabis cultivation is high among farmers, the majority of them are not enthusiastic about the approach proposed by Governor Chris Sununu (R) that would set up state-run cannabis stores.

In August, Sununu signed a bill creating a commission to develop legislation for state-operated cannabis stores.

“New Hampshire has an opportunity to safely regulate the sale of marijuana with a model few others can provide,” Sununu said at the time. “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.”

Farmers don’t seem to share Sununu's opinion. Only 11% support it, 63% are against it and the rest, 26%, were undecided.

What About A ‘Franchise Model’? 

New Hampshire Liquor Commission officials recently proposed an alternative model in the form of franchising, where the state would sell licenses to store owners who would be allowed to hire their employees and manage operations under state rules. The approach would be similar to national chains like McDonald's or Dunkin' Donuts.

Some farmers, however, are concerned that this model would result in an effective monopoly by the state. 

“Cannabis is a crop like any other and farmers should be able to successfully manage it on their own,” one farmer wrote in the survey. “The state does not need to micromanage and create additional taxation around this crop.”

Most surveyed farmers were in favor of a proposal to allow them to sell their products on-site, outside of the state’s official cannabis shops; they also supported legalizing home cultivation. 

Continue reading on New Hampshire Bulletin. 

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Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Office of Governor Christopher T. Sununu via Wikimedia Commons and Los Muertos Crew via Pexels