Bill > HB75

This bill legalizes cannabis for persons 21 years of age and older in New Hampshire, making several significant changes to existing laws. The bill removes cannabis from the controlled drug schedule, effectively decriminalizing its possession and use for adults 21 and older, while establishing new regulations and penalties. Specifically, persons under 18 who possess marijuana will be referred for a substance misuse assessment, those under 21 who possess or use marijuana will be subject to a violation, and public marijuana use will also be a violation. The bill also includes provisions to annul existing cannabis-related criminal convictions and sentences, and prohibits state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal cannabis prohibition laws. Additionally, the bill removes multiple references to marijuana in various state statutes related to controlled substances, criminal penalties, and drug classifications. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to create a more lenient approach to cannabis use while maintaining some restrictions to protect minors and ensure public safety.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=87&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB75