New Hampshire is the only state left in the New England area to not have marijuana decriminalization laws on the books already, but a bill that was introduced – and just approved by the House – would make the current criminal misdemeanor a civil violation in the future. The New Hampshire house approves multiple marijuana-related bills.
Similar bills have been introduced in the past, but none have ever made it out of legislature. However, the future of this bill might be brighter, considering the recent legalization of cannabis in nearby Maine and Massachusetts.
“I think it signals this really is a new day,” said Cushing. “For 40 years the House has been debating whether it should decriminalize a small amount of marijuana. Today, I think the vote is a really clear signal that it’s time to change the policy.”
House Bill 640 would take what is currently up to a year in jail or a $2,000 fine and turn it into a $100 ticket on the first offense. Additional offenses would be fined at $200 and $350, depending on how many offenses and how frequently they occur. Compared to votes in previous years, the large majority (318-36) voting in favor of this decriminalization bill certainly shows that there are more people than ever, Democrat and Republican alike, who are in support of lessening the penalties for simple cannabis possession.
Source: New Hampshire House Approves Multiple Marijuana-Related Bills | The Marijuana Times
