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New Hampshire Lawmakers Compromise on HB 1598

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New Hampshire Lawmakers Compromise on HB 1598

The New Hampshire House of Representatives came to a compromise on the proposed state-run legal cannabis market bill. HB 1598 passed the full House chamber for a second time after going through the Ways & Means Committee to discuss the economic components. The final vote in the House was 169-156 in favor. The bill now heads to the Senate for further discussion. 

“The primary objective of this bill is the policy of legalization of cannabis for both possession and personal use and was passed by the House earlier this session,” said Representative Timothy Lang, R before the House vote. “This bill accomplishes that primary objective, so New Hampshire will no longer arrest and prosecute New Hampshire citizens for possession of personal use quantities of cannabis.”

HB 1598 Concerns

Under HB 1598, the recreational cannabis market would be run by the New Hampshire government. This would be the first program of its kind in the states. It would run in conjunction to the state’s alcohol market with vigorous testing and regulation. But there have been some concerns raised once HB 1598 received a few amendments. 

One approved amendment removed the proposed 15 license cap on cultivation businesses. These licenses would go to private individuals not run by the state. However, they would supply the state-run stores with product. This has left current medical cannabis producers concerned over where their product will come. If producers sign contracts to produce strictly for the recreational market, then where will the medical market get their product from?

Another concern from advocates revolves around “infused” cannabis products, such as edibles. All “infused” products are illegal under HB 1598. Many find this amendment unnecessarily restrictive. But the bill has the support of Governor Chris Sununu, R, who has traditionally opposed recreational legalization. Should the bill pass the Senate and become law, lawmakers can propose amendments to remove restrictive language. 

Future of HB 1598

With the governor supporting the bill, along with support from activists, HB 1598 has a good chance of moving forward this year. However, there could be a stall in the Senate. Both the Senate minority and majority leaders have said cannabis legalization is not a priority for their chamber right now. If HB 1598 isn’t called forward to the Senate floor before the regular session ends in June, then lawmakers will have to introduce a new bill during the 2023 regular session. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.

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