Legalization unlikely, decriminalization has a chance

A few weeks ago both Maine and Massachusetts voted to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

New Hampshire is not likely to follow suit and legalize marijuana next year.  Governor-elect Chris Sununu opposes marijuana legalization, and according to our research on candidate issue positions, the legislature does not have the two-thirds majority to override his veto of a marijuana legalization bill.

Sununu supports marijuana decriminalization, however, unlike his predecessor Maggie Hassan.  Hassan’s opposition was enough to kill several decriminalization bills in the Senate during her time as governor. 

According to our research on candidate issue positions, marijuana decriminalization would likely pass the House this year.  It would still be a close vote in the state Senate, however, depending on the details of the bill.  Some Senators favor decriminalization almost unconditionally, but others are concerned about the wisdom of loosening any drug laws in the middle of a substance abuse epidemic.

Rep. Renny Cushing, Rep. Carol McGuire, and Sen. John Reagan have already requested a 2017 bill to change marijuana penalties.

Do you support or oppose marijuana decriminalization?  Comment below.

You can also contact your incoming state Senators to let them know your opinion.  Visit our Senate elections map and click on your district to find contact information for the candidate who won election.