Houses passes marijuana decriminalization

On March 10 the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted in favor of a bill to decriminalize marijuana.

The bill, HB 1631, would reduce the penalty for possession of 1/2 ounce or less of marijuana to a violation, similar to a speeding ticket.

The bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate.  In 2015 the Senate couldn’t agree on a final version of a marijuana decriminalization bill, despite signals from Gov. Maggie Hassan that she might support the bill.  Last fall the LFDA analyzed each Senator’s position, and determined that at least seven swing votes would determine the fate of decriminalization in 2016.

“This bill does not endorse the use of marijuana, nor ignore the problems that can be associated with its use,” Rep. Robert Cushing said in support of the HB 1631. “Instead, it suggests that limited law enforcement and court resources should be applied more wisely and in accordance with public opinion.” 

However, the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee recommended killing the bill before it passed the full House.

Writing on behalf of the Committee, Rep. John Martin said, “New Hampshire is investing a lot of time and money in the current drug crisis. To that end, we are hearing many bills that deal with expanding the availability of substances with the potential for abuse or addiction. It sends the wrong message to try to reduce one abused substance by offering substitutes.” 

Do you support marijuana decriminalization?  Share your opinion in the comments.