Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
Legislation decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana in New Hampshire is on its way to Gov. Chris Sununu's desk, and he is expected to sign it into law.
The House on Thursday voted to concur with a change in the bill made by the state, marking the final legislative action on the bill.
The House initially passed a bill that called for decriminalizing up to a full ounce of marijuana, but Senate changed it to three-quarters of an ounce. The House on Thursday concurred on a voice vote, without any debate.
Under the bill, any person 18 years of age or older who is convicted of possessing up to three-quarters of an ounce of marijuana or five grams of hashish would be guilty only of a violation, punishable by a fine of $100 for the first or second offense, or up to $300 for any subsequent offense within a three-year period. A fourth offense would result in a Class B misdemeanor charge.
Anyone younger than 18 who is convicted of less than the threshold amounts of marijuana or hashish would be subject to a delinquency petition.
The bill specifically forbids police officers from arresting anyone for a marijuana possession violation. And it requires that all money collected from fines would be deposited in the state's fund to pay for services to combat alcohol and substance abuse.
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire praised the House vote, saying, "It is time for New Hampshire to join the rest of New England in adopting more sensible marijuana possession laws."
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: NH House concurs with Senate, passes marijuana decriminalization bill
Author: John DiStaso
Contact: Contact Us
Photo Credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Website: Manchester, New Hampshire News and Weather - WMUR Channel 9
The House on Thursday voted to concur with a change in the bill made by the state, marking the final legislative action on the bill.
The House initially passed a bill that called for decriminalizing up to a full ounce of marijuana, but Senate changed it to three-quarters of an ounce. The House on Thursday concurred on a voice vote, without any debate.
Under the bill, any person 18 years of age or older who is convicted of possessing up to three-quarters of an ounce of marijuana or five grams of hashish would be guilty only of a violation, punishable by a fine of $100 for the first or second offense, or up to $300 for any subsequent offense within a three-year period. A fourth offense would result in a Class B misdemeanor charge.
Anyone younger than 18 who is convicted of less than the threshold amounts of marijuana or hashish would be subject to a delinquency petition.
The bill specifically forbids police officers from arresting anyone for a marijuana possession violation. And it requires that all money collected from fines would be deposited in the state's fund to pay for services to combat alcohol and substance abuse.
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire praised the House vote, saying, "It is time for New Hampshire to join the rest of New England in adopting more sensible marijuana possession laws."
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: NH House concurs with Senate, passes marijuana decriminalization bill
Author: John DiStaso
Contact: Contact Us
Photo Credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Website: Manchester, New Hampshire News and Weather - WMUR Channel 9
