New Hampshire’s Republican Governor, Chris Sununu, defends his support for legalizing cannabis through a model run by the state. He usually prefers private companies to run the markets, rather than expanding the size of government. However, in this instance he feels it is more appropriate to have the state take charge because of the risks associated with cannabis.
Gov. Don Murphy, a cannabis lobbyist, asked Chris Sununu about his position on Wednesday, ahead of the New Hampshire Primary Election. He stated that, while he is “usually not there,” he believes cannabis can be better regulated by government-operated stores, as opposed to private businesses.
Sununu, according to an audio recording of the exclusive exchange Murphy shared with Marijuana Moment, said that officials could reduce risks associated with “locations and marketing, as well as influence on children.”
“I think that we have the best model for marijuana that is available to adults, that keeps it away from kids and that has a market for those who want it,” said the governor, adding that neighboring Maine Massachusetts and Vermont had “awful” systems for marijuana sales.
You have marijuana miles. Every corner is dotted with pot shops. Sununu said to Murphy, a lobbyist for the Marijuana Leadership Campaign: “We don’t want this here.” “We want it to be available but under control. That’s it. “That’s what the people want.”
Sununu continued by saying that “every other governor will tell that their system is a sucka.”
“Every governor told me this.” He said that they hated their system. They want it legalized, but they don’t like the way that it has been done. It’s mainly driven by ballot measures where Big Tobacco – Big Marijuana 2.0 – is driving the rules and regulations.
Sununu’s support for state-run legalization of marijuana is a recent development. He had previously opposed reform but came to favor the novel regulatory model in last year, after reached the conclusion that this was “inevitable.”
The Live Free or Die State has debated several bills to create a regulated marijuana market. However, they have not reached a consensus.
The legislative cannabis commission was formed by legislation Sununu passed in August to discuss state-run proposals. However, members were unable to agree on any plan due to “a large number of unresolved questions.”
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Rep. John Hunt, (R), Chair of the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee has worked extensively on marijuana issues during the previous session and tried to reach a consensus to legalize through a system with multiple levels, including state-controlled shops and dual licensing for medical cannabis dispensaries and private businesses licensed by state agencies.
Hunt’s committee, however, came to a deadlock on the complicated legislation. On Wednesday, the committee held a second hearing on the legalization bill. However, it is unclear if members are better prepared to bring the issue before the governor this year. Over the years, the House has passed legalization legislation multiple times. However, every time it fails in the Senate.
New Hampshire legislators have filed a dozen marijuana related bills in advance for the 2024 session. These include measures to legalize cannabis for adults, cancel prior convictions, increase the list of conditions that qualify for the state’s program for medical purposes, as well as increasing possession limits and allowing home cultivation for caregivers and patients.
Last year, the Senate defeated an HB 639 more conventional legalization measure, despite bipartisan support from the House.
In May of last year, the House rejected a different marijuana-legalization amendment which was proposed as part a Medicaid expansion measure. In the same month, the Senate moved to introduce an earlier version Thomas’s legislation on home cultivation.
After rejecting reform bills in 2022 by the Senate, the House added legalization language to separate criminal justice legislation but was also rejected in the opposing chamber .
Washington Lawmakers Hear Multiple Marijuana Bills, Including On Home Cultivation And THC Limits
The article New Hampshire GOP Gov. Defends State-Run Marijuana Legalization Plan as Lawmakers Consider 2024 reform bills first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
