As the push for marijuana legalization gains momentum in New Hampshire, lawmakers are navigating divergent paths to address concerns from Governor Chris Sununu and garner support in the Senate. At a hearing of a House Finance Committee panel on Wednesday, legislators delved into proposed changes to a bill spearheaded by Representative Erica Layon, while also considering an alternative presented by Senator Daryl Abbas.
Representative Layon, sponsor of the initial legalization bill, HB 1633, presented modifications aimed at aligning the proposal with guidelines issued by Governor Sununu late last year. These alterations include a statewide limit of 15 marijuana retailers and granting the secretary of state authority to regulate lobbying by licensed cannabis businesses. Layon emphasized her efforts to address the governor’s stipulations, striving to create legislation with broader appeal.
Meanwhile, Senator Abbas introduced an alternative legalization plan, pivoting back to a franchise-based model similar to one explored by a state study commission last year. Abbas asserted that Layon’s current bill lacks sufficient support in the Senate, estimating backing from only around 10 senators at best. In contrast, Abbas believes his proposal, which he predicts would secure at least 13 or 14 votes in the Senate, presents a viable path forward.
The discussion at the House Finance Committee hearing underscored the complexity of the issue, with lawmakers grappling over various aspects of marijuana legalization, including public consumption penalties and regulatory oversight. Both Layon’s bill and Abbas’s alternative allow for prosecutors to seek jail time for repeat offenders caught consuming marijuana in public, a provision met with criticism from justice advocates.
Devon Chaffee, Executive Director for ACLU of New Hampshire, highlighted the potential consequences of harsher penalties, emphasizing the cost and impact on individuals. However, Abbas defended the severity of punishment for public consumption, labeling it as an “egregious” offense warranting strict consequences.
Beyond penalties, lawmakers are also contending with logistical challenges such as regulatory staffing, federal enforcement concerns, and the transition of oversight for the existing medical marijuana system. The Finance Committee plans to vote on amendments to the bill in the coming weeks before advancing it to the House floor for further consideration.
Governor Sununu has expressed cautiousness toward marijuana legalization, acknowledging its inevitability but expressing reservations. Last year’s legislative efforts saw multiple attempts to advance marijuana reform, with proposals ranging from state-run shops to a multi-tiered licensing system ultimately meeting obstacles in the legislative process.
As New Hampshire lawmakers continue to navigate the complexities of marijuana legalization, the fate of cannabis reform in the Granite State remains uncertain, with stakeholders on all sides seeking a balanced approach that addresses concerns while advancing cannabis policy reform.
