CONCORD, N.H. —
The new year will bring new legislation, and one item New Hampshire lawmakers are again working toward is the legalization of marijuana.
Advocates said there is still progress to be made, but legal marijuana is getting closer in the state.
Former state Rep. Timothy Egan is taking on a new role as an advocate with the New Hampshire Cannabis Association. He said he wants to grow business sector support for legalization.
“While we know that cannabis supporters are out and vocal, I don’t think the rest of the industries in the state have learned what the value could be, and they need to be more vocal,” Egan said.
While resistance to legal cannabis is slowly waning in Concord, powerful opponents of legalization remain.
“I have some reservations,” said House Speaker Sherman Packard. “But I haven’t seen the two bills. I would predict that we will pass something out of the House. What the Senate or the governor does, I can’t tell you.”
The Senate has blocked prior House legalization bills, but turnover in that body could change things this session.
Former state Reps. Daryl Abbas, Keith Murphy and Tim Lang have all backed various pro-cannabis bills in the past, and they are taking over Senate seats held by traditional opponents of marijuana.
Gov. Chris Sununu has been skeptical of legalization, telling CNN recently, “We’re not there yet.” But in a statement to News 9, his office noted that a legalization bill has never reached his desk.
“Should the Legislature reach consensus and compromise, the governor would review any such legislation and determine whether it’s in the best interests of New Hampshire’s citizens,” his office said in the statement.
Winning the governor’s support would be crucial, but advocates said it’s time for everyone at the State House to catch up with public opinion.
“It’s 2023, and we’re mature enough now to understand whether I can enjoy a glass of wine, a glass of beer or a joint,” Egan said.
H/T: www.wmur.com
