For the 2016 legislative session, State Representatives in New Hampshire have filed three separate recreational marijuana bills, with each bill legalizing recreational use and possession of marijuana in different degrees. With more states believing recreational legalization will help end federal prohibition, and putting it up for vote this year, officials of New Hampshire think that with the steps they have taken, they can participate in crushing the said issue.
According to Michael Boldin, founder and executive director of the Tenth Amendment Center, this is a pretty straight up message for the federal officials that the people, backed with local officials of several states, do not buy their prohibitions on cannabis. Passage of any bill would make New Hampshire the first state to pass recreational marijuana through state legislature procedure, as other states have done it by popular vote.
The said bills are:
HB1675
To regulate and tax marijuana like alcohol; allowing possession to persons 18 years old and older and of up to 2.2lbs of marijuana for personal use.
Additional inclusions:
- Create a structured licensing process
- Create a tax scheme for legal marijuana sales
- Create testing facilities
HB1610
To allow possession for persons 21 years old and older and up to 2oz of marijuana and marijuana use accessories.
Additional inclusions:
- 3 mature/flowering plants
- Up to 6 total plants growing
- Transfer up to 1 ounce of marijuana to those 21 years of age and older
HB1694
To allow possession for persons 21 years old and older and up to 1oz of marijuana.
Additional inclusions:
- Structure for marijuana sales
- Legalize industrial hemp farming
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee must first approve each bill before allowing a full vote.