Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Table of contents

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.
Cannabis Legalization New Hampshire 2025 FAQs
Medical marijuana in New Hampshire is legal, while recreational cannabis is decriminalized but still illegal.
As of December 2024, New Hampshire is the only state left within the New England and North-East corner area of the USA yet to legally allow recreational cannabis.
Yes. Access to New Hampshire dispensaries is limited to qualified patients and caregivers who are registered with the state’s Therapeutic Cannabis Program and visiting patients who are registered with a medical cannabis program in another U.S. state or Canada.
In New Hampshire, medical marijuana patients must be 18 or older to purchase medicine legally from a dispensary. Minors must have a caregiver aged 21 or older purchase it on their behalf.
As of 3/2025, there are 7 cannabis dispensaries in New Hampshire. These are all alternative treatment centers (ATCs).
Additional Resources
Free eBooks For Cannabis Business Success
Latest Articles
- Utah Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License Applications Open for 2025: Eligibility, Deadlines, and RequirementsThe Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) has officially launched the first application period for two independent medical cannabis pharmacy licenses, running from July 1 through July 31, 2025. Originating from House Bill 54, passed during Utah’s 2025 legislative session, these new pharmacy licenses aim to broaden medical cannabis access in medically underserved areas across the state.
- Cannabis Startup Costs: From Licensing to ProfitabilityStarting a legal cannabis business isn’t just about getting a license—it’s about building a profitable, compliant, and sustainable operation in one of the world’s most capital-intensive and regulated industries. Many entrepreneurs enter this space with many goals, good intentions, and passion, but ultimately fail because they underestimate the cost, complexity, experience, and time required to turn a cannabis license into a thriving business.
- Cannabis License Pitfalls: How to Avoid Common Cannabis Licensing MistakesAs new adult-use programs launch, many entrepreneurs are eager to start growing, processing, or selling cannabis. Excitement runs high, but the industry’s heavy regulations and complex operations can quickly overwhelm even experienced business owners. Common mistakes include underestimating compliance requirements, rushing facility design, skipping proper procedures, and more.
- Maximizing Your Minnesota Cannabis Microbusiness or Mezzobusiness LicenseMinnesota’s new adult-use cannabis law allows microbusinesses (one store, up to 5,000 sq ft indoor, ½ acre outdoor) and mezzobusinesses (up to 3 stores, 15,000 sq ft indoor, 1 acre outdoor) to cultivate, manufacture, sell, and transport cannabis under one license. These vertically integrated licenses offer flexibility, but also come with complex state rules.
- The Recipe for a Top-Tier Cannabis DispensaryOperating a highly reviewed, top-performing cannabis dispensary takes more than simply stocking product and unlocking the doors. It requires operational discipline, regulatory expertise, top-tier customer service, dynamic merchandising, and a culture of accountability and community. With the cannabis industry continuing to expand—and regulations constantly evolving—success is defined by how seamlessly a dispensary integrates compliance, product curation, staff training, and marketing into day-to-day operations.
- Minnesota Lottery Results: June 5 Cannabis License Drawings and What’s NextThe Minnesota Lottery for cannabis business licenses reached a pivotal milestone on June 5, as the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) conducted randomized drawings for select license types. These lotteries were open to both social equity applicants and general applicants vying for limited licenses to operate as cultivators, manufacturers, and mezzobusinesses. Additionally, a separate lottery was held exclusively for social equity applicants seeking a retail cannabis license.