State Rep. Jared Sullivan, D-Bethlehem, plans to introduce a bill that would legalize limited marijuana possession and sales in New Hampshire after Democrats won control of the state House and Senate in the Nov. 3 election.
The proposal would allow adults to possess small amounts of marijuana, prohibit public use and permit sales through privately operated stores licensed by the state. Sullivan also said the measure could allow marijuana to be sold through state-run liquor stores.
Marijuana possession is already decriminalized in New Hampshire. Possession of a limited amount is generally treated as a violation similar to a speeding ticket, but people may still face criminal charges in some circumstances, including multiple offenses or possession of more than three-quarters of an ounce.
“My view is that we need to stop arresting people for it,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan said the bill's primary purpose would be to eliminate arrests for conduct that he said is widely accepted. He said legalization also could produce about $30 million a year in tax revenue for the state.
Proposal would change current law
- Adults would be allowed to possess small amounts of marijuana.
- Use in public would remain prohibited.
- Sales would be permitted through state-licensed private stores and potentially state-run liquor stores.
Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has long opposed legalization. Sullivan said he believes lawmakers may be able to negotiate a compromise with the governor, although any bill passed by the Legislature would require her signature or an override of a veto.
A veto override requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate. Democrats will hold a supermajority in the House, while at least one Republican senator would likely be needed for an override in the Senate, based on the chamber's expected composition. Some Senate Republicans have supported legalization measures in the past, but their previous positions do not establish how they would vote on an override, Sullivan said.
The full House and Senate are scheduled to organize on Dec. 2, when legislators will formally choose their leaders. The Democratic caucuses selected Exeter Rep. Alexis Simpson as their nominee for House speaker and Portsmouth Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka as their nominee for Senate president. Sullivan's bill would still need to be introduced, considered by committees and approved by both chambers before reaching the governor.
