On May 13, 2021, the New Hampshire Senate rejected a bill that would have legalized cannabis for recreational use in the state. The bill, which had already passed the House of Representatives, was defeated by a vote of 14-10 in the Senate.
The proposed legislation, known as HB 481, would have allowed adults over the age of 21 to possess up to one ounce of cannabis and grow up to six plants for personal use. It also included provisions for regulating and taxing the sale of cannabis products.
Supporters of the bill argued that legalizing cannabis would generate revenue for the state and reduce the number of non-violent drug offenses. They also pointed to the success of neighboring states like Massachusetts and Maine, which have legalized cannabis and seen positive economic and social outcomes.
However, opponents of the bill expressed concerns about the potential negative effects of legalizing cannabis, including increased drug use among youth and impaired driving. Some also argued that legalization could lead to a rise in crime and addiction.
The defeat of HB 481 is a setback for advocates of cannabis legalization in New Hampshire, who have been pushing for reform for several years. In 2019, a similar bill was passed by the House but failed to gain support in the Senate.
Despite this setback, supporters of cannabis legalization in New Hampshire are not giving up. They plan to continue advocating for reform and hope to see progress in the future.
In the meantime, medical cannabis remains legal in New Hampshire for patients with qualifying conditions. The state also recently passed a law allowing for the cultivation and sale of hemp products.
Overall, the rejection of HB 481 highlights the ongoing debate over cannabis legalization in the United States. While some states have embraced reform, others remain hesitant to make changes to their drug laws. As public opinion continues to shift in favor of legalization, it remains to be seen how this issue will play out in New Hampshire and across the country.
- SEO Powered Content & PR Distribution. Get Amplified Today.
- Minting the Future w Adryenn Ashley. Access Here.
- Buy and Sell Shares in PRE-IPO Companies with PREIPO®. Access Here.
- PlatoAiStream. Web3 Data Intelligence. Knowledge Amplified. Access Here.
- Source: https://zephyrnet.com/new-hampshire-senate-votes-down-cannabis-legalization-bill/