MANCHESTER, NH – The House of the New Hampshire State Legislature has passed a bill which decriminalizes the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana. The same session also passed two bills which add more qualifying conditions for patients to be eligible to receive medical marijuana.
HB640, the decriminalization bill, removes criminal penalties for possession up to an ounce and replaces them with a first time fine of $100, with subsequent fines of $200 and then $350 for continuing offenses. The legislation also applies to 5 grams or less of hashish, and “regulated marijuana-infused products.”
HB157 and HB160 both increase the availability of medical cannabis to patients. HB157 adds chronic pain and HB160 adds post-traumatic stress disorder to the list of conditions.
The session took place on March 8, and the three bills were pushed through with overwhelming bipartisan support, backed by over 85% of representatives. HB640 passed with a vote of 318-36; the vote was along party lines with only one Democrat opposing. HB157 passed with a vote of 301-47, and HB160 with a vote of 302-46.
All fines collected from HB640 will be put towards an alcohol abuse and prevention treatment fund, as well as substance abuse prevention programs. Courts will waive a fine for the first offense within a three year period, provided the offender “[completes] a substance abuse assessment by a licensed drug and alcohol counselor within 60 days of the conviction.”
All three bills are pending approval in an upcoming Senate vote. If passed, all new legislation will take effect in 60 days.
