New Hampshire House approves Medical Cannabis Cultivation Bill

House Bill 431 was presented on Jan. 5, 2023 and went through many sessions and hearings before being passed in the House on March 22, 2023. It would allow caregivers and patients to grow up to three mature plants, three adult plants, and 12 seedlings at their home. HB-341 would also allow medical cannabis dispensaries to grow up to three mature plants, three immature plants, and 12 seedlings at home. “This amended bill provides a framework that allows therapeutic cannabis patients and their caregivers to grow cannabis without restrictions. Layon stated that this bill addresses two major problems in the community: price and access. Layon stated that the nearest Alternative Treatment Center (ATC), may be far away, and that the price of this product can be high. A majority of therapeutic cannabis patients will continue purchasing their product from ATCs. Those who wish to grow their own cannabis will be able either to purchase seedlings from ATCs or grow their own seeds. The bill has broad support from all stakeholders, including patient representatives, ATCs, and the department.” Rep. Wendy Thomas, one the bill’s sponsors, tweeted about the bill’s progress. “Passed on a voice vote of the Consent Calendar–HB-431–Therapeutic home-grow now moves to the Senate One step closer. Many thanks to all the advocates who worked tirelessly to make this possible. She posted the following March 22: “Let us not let our foot off of the gas until this bill is signed.” The bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration. Matt Simon, Prime Alternative Treatment Centers Director Public and Government Relations, shared on Twitter that he believes that this is the 11th time a medical cannabis cultivation bill has passed the House since 2009. Simon claims that only four of these bills passed the Senate. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu’s staff predicts that legalization of cannabis will not reach his desk. Sununu’s office stated in a statement to New Hampshire Public Radio that the bill has failed repeatedly in the Senate in both Republican-held and Democrat-held years. “With teen drug abuse and overdoses on rise, it is not expected that the legislature will view this as a chance to ignore the data. House Bill 360 was also passed in the House on March 21. It would legalize adult-use cannabis. The bill would remove cannabis from the state’s banned substances list and remove any criminal penalties for cannabis offenses. Although cannabis would be legal to possess and cultivate, it does not apply any tax or regulation program. It is currently being considered by the Senate. House Bill 639 is also moving through the House. It would legalize marijuana sales and possession. It would also allow for gifting up to four ounces of cannabis. On March 20, the latest hearing was held. Rep. Representative. Rep. Amanda Bouldin tweeted, “I cast my ballot for cannabis legalization from seat 4–20!” Rep. Jessica Grill shared the following: “We did #blazeit.”