New Hampshire lawmakers are making significant progress towards a compromise on marijuana legalization. A conference committee meeting on Tuesday saw seven legislators from the House and Senate working diligently to reconcile their differing bills. Both chambers have until Thursday to finalize a version to present to Governor Chris Sununu.

Key proposals for marijuana legalization

Members of the House proposed agreeing to the Senate-passed version with four major amendments: reducing the state surcharge on cannabis sales, giving licensing priority to existing medical marijuana businesses, adjusting rules around cannabis consumption in vehicles, and immediately decriminalizing possession of up to two ounces of marijuana.




Negotiations continue amid time constraints

Senate President Jeb Bradley requested more time for senators to deliberate on the proposed changes, leading the committee to reconvene on Wednesday. The panel's task is to reconcile significant differences between the House and Senate versions on regulatory structures, criminal justice, licensing, and tax rates.

Optimism among legalization proponents

Karen O'Keefe of the Marijuana Policy Project expressed hope that the committee would negotiate revisions to pass the legalization bill. The proposed House amendments include lowering the franchise fee on marijuana sales from 15% to 12.5% and emphasizing licensing priority for New Hampshire-based cannabis businesses.

Adjustments in cannabis consumption regulations

Another proposed change would prohibit smoking and vaping marijuana for passengers but allow other forms of consumption. This aims to prevent secondhand smoke from affecting drivers.Credit: NHPR