Cannabis Legalization New Hampshire 2025: Navigating Legislative Hurdles Amid Changing Leadership

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Introduction

New Hampshire remains the lone state in New England without an adult-use cannabis program. Despite bipartisan efforts in the General Court, unresolved differences between the House and Senate have left the state at an impasse. As 2025 approaches, the future of cannabis legalization in New Hampshire hangs in the balance, influenced by ongoing legislative proposals and a significant change in governorship.

Legislative Developments

Last year, both chambers of New Hampshire’s legislature showed momentum for reform. A bipartisan-backed legalization bill originated in the House, only to be amended by Senate lawmakers. The Senate’s version featured a lower possession limit, a state-run “franchise model” for dispensaries, and THC limits for edibles. Although the Senate voted 14-10 for the amended bill, the House ultimately rejected these changes during the conference committee stage. This disagreement has kept the state without an adult-use program, setting the stage for a renewed legislative push in the current session.

Policy Proposals and Options

This year, the House appears to be back in the driver’s seat with three legalization bills on the table:

• House Bill 75: Sponsored by Republican Rep. Kevin Verville and passed on February 20, this bill is the least permissive. It seeks to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older but stops short of establishing a licensed market for commercial cultivation and dispensary sales. Additionally, it does not provide for home grows.
• House Bill 186: Proposed by Democratic Rep. Jared Sullivan, this bill would legalize cannabis for those 21 and older while also creating a licensed, taxed, and regulated market for commercial operators.
• House Bill 198: Also introduced by Rep. Sullivan, this proposal would legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older and allow for home cultivation, though it does not set up a commercial market for cultivation and sales.

Each proposal reflects different approaches to legalization, underscoring the diverse opinions within the legislature about the best path forward.

Governing Dynamics and the Future of Reform

Despite the bipartisan support within the General Court, the outlook for adult-use cannabis reform in New Hampshire is clouded by a change in leadership. Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte, who assumed office in January, has consistently opposed adult-use cannabis legalization. During a gubernatorial debate on New Hampshire Public Radio in October, she expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts on youth mental health, road safety, and addiction issues. Her stance has led some lawmakers, including House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, to suggest that the opportunity for reform may have passed. Osborne noted that previous sessions under the former governor had offered a chance to move forward, but those opportunities were not seized, implying that a return to legalization might be unlikely for the next decade.

Conclusion

As New Hampshire gears up for the 2025 legislative session, the state stands at a crossroads. With multiple legalization bills under consideration and a clear divide between the legislative push and executive opposition, the future of cannabis reform remains uncertain. The evolving political landscape, marked by strong legislative proposals and a resistant executive branch, underscores the challenges New Hampshire faces in joining its neighbors in establishing an adult-use cannabis program. The coming year will be critical in determining whether New Hampshire can overcome these obstacles and finally embrace comprehensive cannabis legalization.

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