A big test of this year’s attempt to legalize marijuana in New Hampshire is set for Thursday when the state House of Representatives takes up a bipartisan bill that would allow adults to buy cannabis at 15 retail stores.
In 2017, the state reduced penalties for possessing small quantities. But the Granite State is alone in New England in not fully legalizing it for purchase by adults.
Rep. Anita Burroughs, D-Glen, said in a statement that under House Bill 1633, marijuana would be tested for purity and labeled for THC content prior to sale, which she said would protect and inform consumers. THC is the active ingredient in marijuana.
“Many years of work have led to this effort, which focuses the State of NH on harm reduction, not profits, and allows the state to control distribution and access through state laws, administrative rules, and local control,” she said.
“The legalization of cannabis will move production and sales from the underground, sometimes dangerous, illicit market to legal businesses, allowing for appropriate regulations and control.”
Last Wednesday, the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee recommended, 17-3, that the full House pass the bill.
Rep. Lilli Walsh, R-Hampstead, wrote a statement in opposition to the legislation.
“Introducing drastic cultural change, increased healthcare costs, and significant societal impact is not in the best interest of the state,” she said.
“Additionally, the unambiguous question of creating conflict with federal law specifically regarding the sale and distribution of a federally controlled substance, has not been addressed.”
Under HB 1633, it would still be illegal to provide cannabis to anyone under 21. Driving under the influence of the drug would remain illegal. Marketing and advertising to the general public would be prohibited.
The number of retail outlets would be limited to avoid so-called “marijuana miles” where pot stores might proliferate. Towns and cities would have control through the local ballot on whether to allow a store. No more than one store per 15,000 people would be allowed in a municipality.
A 10 percent state tax would be imposed on a marijuana store’s monthly gross revenue, with 65 percent of that money going into a state fund in support of public education. Other money would go to a state substance abuse and treatment fund, investments to improve communities, municipal aid, public safety and the state health department.
Former state Rep. Timothy Egan, a Sugar Hill Democrat, is chairman of the N.H. Cannabis Association, a trade group for marijuana.
“HB 1633 understands that we are losing money from NH residents, to Mass, Maine and Vermont. NH can reclaim this new revenue generating industry that almost 80% of our residents agree with,” he said in written testimony on the bill.
Elizabeth Brochu is a director for Communities for Alcohol- and Drug-Free Youth, a nonprofit organization in central New Hampshire.
She said that THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, poses public health risks.
“If passed into law, HB1633 will legalize and commercialize THC impairment, as well as child endangerment,” she said.
“THC, the key ingredient in cannabis, alters the function of the hippocampus and frontal cortex: brain areas that enable a person to form new memories and shift his or her attention and focus. As a result, using cannabis/THC causes impaired thinking and interferes with a person’s ability to learn and perform complicated tasks.”
If the House were to pass HB 1633, the state Senate would eventually consider the bill. It’s not clear whether this legislation has a better chance for passage than previous legalization bills the Senate has voted down in past years.
Rick Green can be reached at rgreen@keenesentinel.com or 603-355-8567.
These articles are being shared by partners in The Granite State News Collaborative. For more information visit collaborativenh.org.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH marijuana legalization up for vote in House
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