Now, the fate of a New Hampshire House-passed marijuana law is in the Senate’s control. The GOP lawmakers have mixed opinions about how the bill will perform in the Senate ahead of a hearing on the cannabis holiday 4/20, where members will discuss a variety of reform proposals.
A few Republican senators have given hope to advocates that reform could clear the body. However, Senate President Jeb Bray (R) states that he is a no-vote and doesn’t expect legislation to pass in his chamber when it comes up next month.
“I support medical marijuana and the decriminalization three-quarters ounces of marijuana. Bradley stated that he would not vote for recreational marijuana. It’s unlikely that it will be passed into law, I think.
Advocates believe there is enough momentum to move the measure forward from bipartisan House leaders.
Sen. Keith Murphy (R), who is a cosponsor for the legalization bill, gives the measure a 50-50 chance to pass this session.
He stated that prohibition has been proven to be a failure of public policy. It is particularly ineffective considering that all the surrounding states have legalized marijuana possession and usage.
The Boston Globe was informed by Pete Mulvey, an adviser to the freshman senator, that the issue is “still in the air” and that there are good chances of passage.
The issue will be discussed in greater detail by the Senate next Thursday, April 20, when people will likely get a better understanding of its dynamics. The Judiciary Committee has been set to review several cannabis bills, including the House’s main legalization measure, at a meeting on that day.
The panel will also consider separate legislation regarding legalization of cannabis. This includes proposals to allow medical cannabis patients the right to grow their own cannabis, expand the program, and lower the criminal penalties for drug-related crimes.
Two House reform bills were rejected by the Senate last year. One would have created a noncommercial cannabis program, while another would have allowed commerce to take place under a state-run model.
Rep. Michael Costable (R), said that he liked the odds of this legislation. He stated that although the Senate has been “disappointed” in previous sessions, he is optimistic that this time will be different. The Senate will also pass the bill on to the governor.
He told The Daily Sun that he believes there could be pressure from constituents on the Senate or Governor to accept this great legalization bill.
Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R), and Minority Leader Matthew Wilhelm(D) sponsored HB 639. The House passed HB 639 with more than two thirds of the votes last week.
Here’s HB639 as modified:
Adults aged 21 or older can purchase, possess, and gift up to 4 ounces of marijuana.
The Liquor and Cannabis Commission, now renamed, would be responsible to regulate the marijuana market and issue business licenses.
There wouldn’t be any state-imposed limit on the number or types of marijuana businesses that can be licensed.
Within 18 months of the law’s enactment, both the state Department of Health and Human Services and its commission will need to create regulations that allow existing medical cannabis dispensaries in order to apply for dual licenses so they can start serving adult customers.
The tax on cannabis would be 12.5 percent of the value of the final form of the products at wholesale level.
After all costs associated with legalization implementation have been covered, $100,000 would be used to fund data collection and reporting about the health effects of cannabis prohibition and regulation.
The remaining funds would be distributed to 50 percent to cities and towns as a tax offset, and 30 percent to the New Hampshire retirement program to pay its unfunded accrued liabilities. 10 percent, $25 million, or less, would fund substance abuse programs. 5 percent would be used for training and hiring drug recognition specialists, and 5 percent to support children’s behavioral healthcare services.
Localities may restrict or ban marijuana businesses operating in their areas.
Workers who use marijuana on the job would have employment protections. A person who uses cannabis can’t get a professional or occupational license.
Companies that grow marijuana could deduct their business expenses from their state taxes.
It is not possible to permit home cultivation of cannabis or to annul previous cannabis convictions.
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The New Hampshire House passed a separate bill allowing medical marijuana patients to grow their own plants to use for their personal use.
The House passed a second cannabis legalization bill in the same week. This bill contains almost no restrictions or limitations.
Gov. Gov. He stated that reform was possible, but that it would be difficult for states to implement.
After two reform bills were rejected by the Senate last year, the House added legalization language to separate criminal justice-related legislation. was also defeated in the opposing chamber.
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Photo by Mike Latimer.
The post New Hampshire Senators Divide on House-Passed Marijuana Legalization Bill Before 4/20 Hearing appeared originally on Marijuana Moment.
