New Hampshire Lawmaker Departs GOP, Citing Senate's Rejection Of Marijuana Legalization Bill

New Hampshire lawmaker, Rep. Dan Hynes, has left the Republican party to become an independent, citing the Senate's repeated rejection of a marijuana legalization bill as one of the main reasons for his departure.

Hynes expressed his disappointment with the party's shift away from its founding principles and its failure to advocate for “individual freedom,” reported Marijuana Moment.

Factors Influencing GOP Senators' Opposition To Marijuana Legalization Bill

Hynes noted that some Republican senators who had previously supported cannabis reform voted against the bill, potentially influenced by the governor's opposition and subsequent endorsement of a state-run marijuana system.

Apparently, Hynes prefers a conventional legalization model involving licensed private businesses and raises concerns about the legal implications of state employees overseeing cannabis sales under federal prohibition.

His decision to switch parties aims to encourage individuals to vote according to their conscience rather than blindly following party lines.

House Democrats recently express their preference to wait for Gov. Chris Sununu to leave office rather than reaching a deal on his terms. Some accept a state-controlled system as a first step while others want their preferred terms from House Bill 639.

Despite the setbacks, Hynes remains hopeful for future progress on marijuana reform in New Hampshire, suggesting that a reform-minded governor could play a pivotal role in achieving legalization.

Read Marijuana Moments' full coverage here.

Related News

Potential GOP Presidential Candidate Gov. Chris Sununu Does U-Turn On Marijuana, 'Change Is Inevitable

A New Cannabis Legalization Debate In New Hampshire: Does Gov. Sununu Agree With Bipartisan Measure?

Image: New Hampshire license plate