Adults 21 and older could possess limited cannabis under New Hampshire law

Adults 21 and older could possess, use, and grow limited cannabis under New Hampshire law. The limits include two ounces of flower or trim, ten grams of concentrate, products with up to 2,000 milligrams of THC, and six plants, with no more than three mature plants. Plants would have to grow at the grower's primary home, out of public view, with reasonable protection from unauthorized access. Cannabis grown at home above the other product limits would have to stay where it was grown. These limits would not replace medical cannabis limits. Driving while impaired and giving cannabis to people under 21 would remain prohibited. If enacted, these rules would take effect upon passage.

The state would license stores to sell cannabis to adults 21 and older. State-licensed stores could sell cannabis to adults 21 and older in New Hampshire. Local voters would generally need to approve retail stores. A town could not bar a store at a site licensed to sell medical cannabis before the act took effect. The store would still need a state license. Cannabis sold for human use would face testing and labeling rules. The commission would have 18 months after the cannabis chapter took effect to adopt rules for store licenses.

Licensed cannabis sellers would collect a tax from buyers. The tax would cover cannabis sales by licensed businesses, apart from qualifying medical sales. Registered patients could buy medical cannabis without this tax, directly or through caregivers. The commission could limit untaxed purchases, but not below the amount allowed by the medical cannabis program. After administration costs, remaining cannabis fund money would go to the state, towns with cannabis sales, substance use programs, and public safety agencies. If enacted, the tax rules would take effect upon passage. Remaining cannabis fund money would be distributed every three months.

People could not smoke or vape cannabis in public. The ban would apply to anyone smoking or vaping cannabis in a place open to the public. Privately owned outdoor places would be excluded when the owner permits cannabis use. A first offense would bring a fine of up to $100 and forfeiture of all cannabis and cannabis products carried. A second offense within five years would bring a fine of up to $500. A third offense with two prior violations within five years would bring a fine of up to $1,000. If enacted, the ban would take effect upon passage.

Prosecutors would stop pursuing covered pending charges. Certain entries of guilt would be set aside. The rules would cover cases involving people 21 or older and cannabis conduct within the bill's limit. The charges must involve a person 21 or older who knowingly or purposely obtained, bought, moved, made, or possessed no more than the bill's cannabis limit before the chapter took effect. An entry of guilt must involve only that conduct, have been entered before that date, and have had no final judgment or outcome by then. If enacted, the pending-charge rule would begin upon passage. Eligible entries of guilt would be set aside on the first day of the fifth month after passage.