The political landscape for marijuana reform in New Hampshire has taken a sharp turn. House Majority Leader Jason Osborne believes the state may not legalize cannabis for another decade. His recent comments highlight a significant shift in momentum, dashing the hopes of advocates who’ve long fought for adult-use legalization.
“We had an opportunity with the last governor to put that issue behind us, and frankly, we blew it,” Osborne stated in a recent interview. His remarks come as a reality check for supporters, underscoring a deep divide between public opinion and political action.
A Missed Opportunity Amid Changing Leadership
Osborne attributes the setback to timing and leadership changes. Last year, a bipartisan effort nearly pushed cannabis legalization across the finish line. The legislation, which would have implemented a state-controlled model for marijuana sales, garnered support from former Governor Chris Sununu. However, a last-minute vote to table the bill by House Democrats derailed its progress.
Adding to the challenge, New Hampshire’s newly elected governor, Kelly Ayotte, has openly opposed legalization. Her stance has shifted priorities in the legislature, with Osborne noting, “To me, you know, we elected a governor to lead the state, and that is not a priority for her. And so that is not a priority for me or the rest of us at this point.”
This marks a stark contrast to neighbouring states like Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine, which have embraced adult-use cannabis markets.
Public Opinion vs. Legislative Stalemate
Despite political hesitancy, public support for cannabis legalization remains strong. A poll conducted last June revealed that 65% of New Hampshire residents favour legalizing marijuana. Even the failed HB 1633 bill, which proposed a state-regulated franchise model, had the backing of 61% of residents.
However, Osborne remains unconvinced that public demand will drive legislative change in the near term. He has pointed to decriminalization measures and access to cannabis in neighbouring states as factors reducing the urgency. “Now that we have decriminalized up to 3/4 ounce and one can buy legal products right across every border of our tiny state, full retail legalization for NH is just not as important to people as it was a decade ago,” he explained.
The Role of Political Dynamics in the Senate
For legalization advocates, the Senate and governor’s office have long been obstacles. Overriding a veto from Governor Ayotte would require the support of 16 senators, a threshold that has proven difficult to meet.
Daryl Eames, founder of the New Hampshire Cannabis Association, called the situation a “reminder that until we have 16 senators willing to stand up to party and pressure, the adult-use market has little chance of arriving in the Granite State.” This ongoing political deadlock has fueled frustration among advocacy groups and citizens alike.
Karen O’Keefe of the Marijuana Policy Project acknowledged the challenges but expressed a glimmer of optimism. “I’m not as pessimistic about legalization’s prospects as Osborne,” she said, adding that the House is likely to continue passing legalization measures in some form. Yet, the Senate and governor remain significant hurdles.
Advocates Shift Focus to Medical Cannabis Reform
With adult-use legalization appearing unlikely in the near future, advocates are turning their attention to the state’s existing medical marijuana program. Matt Simon, a representative for GraniteLeaf, emphasised the importance of incremental progress. “We will be focusing our efforts on bills that would make modest yet substantive improvements to the therapeutic cannabis law,” he stated.
These adjustments could include expanding qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use, increasing possession limits for patients, or improving accessibility to dispensaries.
What’s Next for Marijuana Reform in New Hampshire?
While Osborne’s statement that legalization is a decade away may have been “what came out of my mouth in the moment,” as he later clarified, it reflects a broader sentiment of legislative inertia. For now, marijuana reform in New Hampshire faces an uphill battle against entrenched political resistance, even as public support continues to grow.
The contrast between the Granite State and its cannabis-friendly neighbours serves as a stark reminder of how leadership and political will can shape policy outcomes. As advocates regroup and refocus, the question remains: How long will New Hampshire lag behind the rest of New England on this issue.