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Needle exchange for NH?

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Rep. Joe Hannon is leading an effort to allow needle exchanges in New Hampshire.  

Needle exchange programs allow drug users to turn in dirty needles in exchange for clean ones.  Ideally needle exchanges reduce the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C.

Under current law, anyone caught with a needle that has trace amounts of heroin or other drugs can be charged with a felony.

Supporters of a needle exchange program point to studies that show addicts who use needle exchanges are more likely to enter treatment programs. 

New Hampshire is also the only state in the Northeast without a needle exchange program. 

Needle exchange opponents note that so far increased heroin use has not corresponded with increased HIV cases in New Hampshire. 

Some members of the law enforcement community are also skeptical of needle exchanges.

“It basically decriminalizes heroin and yes it’s for a specific amount, but that’s not the direction we want to go,” testified Greenland Police Chief Tara Laurent. 

Do you think New Hampshire should allow needle exchanges?  Share your thoughts in the comments.

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