New Hampshire’s House of Representatives has narrowly approved a Republican-sponsored bill to legalize personal marijuana use and possession for adults over 21. However, selling cannabis would remain illegal, keeping the state from establishing a regulated market.
A Step Toward Legalization, But With Major Limits
House Bill 75 (HB 75), introduced by Rep. Kevin Verville (R), passed on a voice vote Thursday. The bill removes state-level penalties for adults who use or possess marijuana but does not create any system for legal sales or state regulation.
Rep. Jodi Newell (D) backed the measure, arguing that cannabis prohibition disrupts lives unnecessarily. Speaking passionately on the House floor, she said most New Hampshire residents support ending criminal penalties.
“I stand asking you once again to pass legislation that would entrust our citizens over the age of 21 with the responsibility to consume cannabis, if they so choose, without fear of retribution from the state,” she said.
Newell shared her personal loss, stating that her husband died from a heroin overdose, while her brother’s life was claimed by alcohol. Yet, she pointed out, marijuana remains illegal despite being far less dangerous than those substances.
What HB 75 Would—and Wouldn’t—Do
The bill is not a full legalization package. It only removes criminal penalties for personal use and possession. Here’s what it allows and restricts:
- Adults 21 and older could possess and use marijuana without legal consequences.
- Minors would still be prohibited from using cannabis. Those under 21 caught with marijuana would face a violation.
- People under 18 found in possession would be required to undergo screening for substance use disorders.
- Public consumption would remain illegal, with violators facing penalties.
Unlike in states that have fully embraced marijuana markets, this measure does not allow dispensaries or commercial sales. The lack of a regulated market means cannabis users would have to either grow their own or acquire it through unofficial means.
Opposition From Some Republicans—and the Governor
The bill barely survived an attempt to kill it before the final vote. A motion to rule the measure “inexpedient to legislate” failed by a 190–167 vote, allowing the proposal to advance.
Rep. Terry Roy (R) voiced his opposition, arguing that marijuana reform should be handled more carefully.
“If we decide to legalize marijuana, then we should do it correctly, in an orderly way,” he said. “This one ain’t gonna go through, either.”
Roy also incorrectly claimed that no other state had taken this approach. In reality:
- Vermont allowed simple possession before setting up a regulated market.
- Virginia still permits only possession and home cultivation, with no retail sales system in place.
Even if HB 75 makes it through the legislative process, it faces a veto from Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R). She opposed legalization during her campaign and has signaled she would block such efforts.
More Legalization Bills Are in Play—but None Look Promising
HB 75 isn’t the only cannabis-related legislation in the pipeline. Two other bills, both introduced by Rep. Jared Sullivan (D), are also under consideration:
| Bill | What It Proposes | Status |
|---|---|---|
| HB 198 | Similar to HB 75—allows personal use without a market | Under review |
| HB 186 | Would legalize both use and commercial sales | Stuck in committee |
Lawmakers are currently prioritizing HB 198, leaving the fate of a regulated market uncertain.
New Hampshire remains the only state in New England without some form of legal recreational cannabis. But as these bills move through the legislature—and with growing public support—pressure is mounting. The question now is whether lawmakers can pass a plan the governor won’t veto.
