New Hampshire to Explore State-Run Cannabis Sales Through Newly Signed Bill

LOS ANGELES- Governor Chris Sununu (R) of New Hampshire, a known opponent of adult-use cannabis legalization, signed a bill on Tuesday to create a commission to study the possibility of selling cannabis through state-owned shops. This approach would mark a distinctive break from other states where cannabis is sold through private retailers.

A Study Commission

The new commission’s mandate includes evaluating how, and if, cannabis should be sold in state-run shops, mirroring the state’s handling of liquor sales. If this system is approved, New Hampshire would become the only state in the nation to sell cannabis at state-run shops.

The commission will comprise:

• Five senators
• Five House representatives
• Members from the Attorney General’s Office
• Representatives from the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police, the New Hampshire Bankers Association, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, the American Civil Liberties Union, the New Hampshire Medical Society, and Communities for Alcohol and Drug-Free Youth

Additionally, the commission will consult with the state’s Alternative Treatment Centers, which currently dispense medical cannabis, and the New Hampshire Cannabis Association, which advocates for broad legalization.

A report containing the findings and recommendations must be filed by December 1.

Cannabis Landscape in New Hampshire

Currently, cannabis use and possession are illegal in New Hampshire. However, in 2017, the state decriminalized possession of up to three-quarters of an ounce, meaning individuals caught with less may be fined but not arrested.

Governor Sununu, who will not run for reelection next year, has been vocal about his opposition to cannabis legalization in the state. Yet in May, he indicated that he would sign a legalization proposal if the bill included government control of sales. The Governor has criticized neighboring states like Maine and Massachusetts for their high concentrations of cannabis dispensaries, referring to them as “Marijuana Miles.”

Implications

New Hampshire’s exploration of state-run cannabis shops could offer a unique model that contrasts with the private retail approach adopted by other states. Such a system may enable better control and regulation, potentially addressing some of the concerns raised by opponents of legalization.

However, the success of this model will depend on various factors, including the establishment of proper regulatory mechanisms, pricing, and how the state plans to reconcile with federal banking regulations that currently pose challenges to the cannabis industry. The commission’s findings will shed light on these and other aspects, potentially paving the way for a new framework for cannabis legalization in the state.

With the establishment of the legalization study commission, New Hampshire has taken a significant step towards understanding the potential for a state-run cannabis sales system. While it’s a departure from the Governor’s previous stance against cannabis, it aligns with his preference for government control over sales. The results of the commission’s study could influence not only New Hampshire’s approach to cannabis but might also serve as a reference for other states exploring alternative models for legalizing and controlling the sale of cannabis.