This Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Is 'Fascinated' By Cannabis Facility Operations

New Hampshire state senator Dr. Tom Sherman (D), who is running for governor visited a cannabis cultivation facility in neighboring Milford, Massachusetts as part of his campaign.

A supporter of legalizing recreational cannabis, Sherman's visit was organized to show how a similar system could work in New Hampshire where, he said, people should have the same liberty that consumers enjoy in surrounding New England states.

After his “fact-finding mission,” Sherman said he was fascinated by the process.

“They use hydroponics,” reported WMUR-TV. “It's all internal and the lighting is critical to controlling the growth of the plants. The quality was really important to them [they make] sure there's no contamination and no fungus, no parasites, no insects, all of that was really important. It was an important part of quality control, which we of course don't have on the street.”

Incumbent Governor Christopher Sununu (R) did not comment on Sherman's visit to the facility.

Cannabis In New Hampshire

The Granite State legalized medical marijuana in 2013. Some four years later they decriminalized cannabis, replacing misdemeanor charges with a $100 fine for a first or second offense and $300 for a third offense. Four offenses over a period of three years is considered a misdemeanor.

In April 2022, state regulators dismissed two House-approved bills that would have legalized cannabis.

Senate members rejected noncommercial legislation posed by Rep. Carol McGuire (R) in a 9-15 vote following a heated debate on an amendment that would have removed the home-grow option and added a per se THC limit for impaired driving.

McGuire’s bill, which would have legalized marijuana possession and cultivation for adults, got the green light from a Senate committee some two weeks before it was struck down by the full Senate.

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