New Hampshire Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Advances

Marijuana decriminalization legislation House Bill 640 (HB 640) passed its first vote in the House with a 318 – 36 count favoring the bill. Senators from across the state also plan to vote in support of HB 640. Possession of an ounce or less of marijuana would result in a $100 fine for a first offense.

The fines increase with additional offenses, up to $350 for third offenses and above, according to Fosters. The current fine in New Hampshire is up $2,000 plus the potential of a one year jail sentence. New Hampshire’s Republican Governor, Chris Sununu, supports the bill. He fully intends to sign the bill once it passes through its final stages.

Senator Dan Innis believes that people being arrested for simple possession of marijuana shouldn’t have to have the charge tarnishing their criminal records.

Innis said, “It ought to be decriminalized. It doesn’t make sense for a kid to have a record because of something that small, you know. I think it makes sense (to decriminalize).”

Representative Renny Cushing said, “There’s a different climate when it comes to issues relating to marijuana. New Hampshire is still the only state that makes possession of a joint punishable by a year in jail and a $2,000 fine. New Hampshire is out of step with the region.”