New Hampshire Senate Blocks Cannabis Greenhouse Bill Despite Overwhelming House Support
LOS ANGELES- New Hampshire lawmakers have failed to override Governor Chris Sununu’s veto of a bill that would have allowed medical cannabis producers to cultivate cannabis in greenhouses. The House of Representatives had voted overwhelmingly, 270-55, to override the veto, but the Senate blocked the effort with a 14-9 vote.
The bill, HB 1581, aimed to let the state’s medical cannabis operators build greenhouses, reducing costs and environmental impact compared to the current requirement for indoor-only cultivation. Proponents, including Rep. Suzanne Vail (D), argued that greenhouses would be subject to the same stringent regulations as existing cultivation sites, ensuring public safety while easing financial burdens on producers. Governor Sununu, however, vetoed the bill, citing concerns over the lack of detailed safety, security, and location requirements.
Medical cannabis operators expressed disappointment at the Senate’s decision, noting the missed opportunity to lower production costs and pass those savings on to patients. New Hampshire’s cannabis cultivation remains confined to indoor facilities, which are more energy-intensive and expensive to maintain than greenhouses(
However, his stance on cultivation remains cautious, prioritizing strict regulation of production environments.