Cannabis and cannabinoids in New Hampshire

US - New Hampshire: House Bill (HB) 611 has been signed into law by governor Chris Sununu. The new law eases the qualifying condition for therapeutic cannabis by allowing medical providers to certify their patients for severe pain without prior need of surgery or a failure to respond to previously prescribed medications. It also prohibits the sale of hemp products with more than 0.3% natural or synthetic THC on a dry weight basis, in any formulation, including delta-8 and delta-9 THC or any other THC isomer variant. And it provides for the establishment of a commission to study state-controlled sales of cannabis, assess the viability of legalising cannabis through a state-run model, and propose legislation to enact the reform.

US - New Hampshire: House Bill 611 has been enrolled and now moves to the governor’s desk. It will ease the qualifying condition for therapeutic cannabis by allowing medical providers to certify their patients for severe pain without the prior need for surgery or a failure to respond to previously prescribed medications. The bill also prohibits the sale of hemp products which contain more than 0.3% natural or synthetic THC on a dry weight basis, in any formulation, including delta-8 and delta-9 THC or any other THC isomer variant. And it provides for the establishment of a commission to study state-controlled sales of cannabis, assess the viability of legalising cannabis through a state-run model, and propose legislation to enact the reform.

US - New Hampshire: The Therapeutic Cannabis Program now allows out-of-state and Canadian visitors with legal authorisation to purchase therapeutic cannabis from the state’s Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs). They can make up to three purchases per year and, if their medical condition is approved in New Hampshire, they can buy cannabis at the same frequency as local patients. Each patient can purchase a maximum of 2 oz within a ten-day period and is limited to possessing 2 oz at a time. Visiting patients must adhere to state laws and present their out-of-state cannabis authorisation and photo ID when making purchases.

US - New Hampshire: House Bill 611 has been revised by the House/Senate Conference Committee to include a commission to study state-controlled sales of cannabis, assess the viability of legalising cannabis through a state-run model, and propose legislation to enact the reform. The bill must now be approved by both chambers before it goes to the governor’s desk.

US - New Hampshire: House Bill 639, which would have legalised recreational cannabis, was killed in the Senate after passing the House in February. In response, governor Chris Sununu has expressed his readiness to sign a bill that focuses on harm reduction rather than profits, presenting his take on the “best path forward for adult-use cannabis in NH”. Republican Sununu emphasised the need for the state to have control over marketing, sales and distribution, similar to the liquor industry, without imposing any state taxes and allowing for local control. “Should the legislature pass future legalization bills without these provisions in place, they will be vetoed,” Sununu said.

US - New Hampshire: House Bill 431, which would allow patients and designated caregivers to cultivate up to three mature cannabis plants, three immature plants and 12 seedlings for therapeutic use, has passed the House and now moves to the Senate. The bill would also expand the numbers of plants alternative treatment centres may possess or cultivate, by increasing the limit per patient to 80 mature plants, 160 immature plants and an unlimited number of seedlings.

US - New Hampshire: Senate Bill 180 was passed by the Senate and now heads to the House. It would require a review and updating of labels and educational materials provided to medical cannabis patients and would limit hemp products to a total THC concentration of 0.03%, including all THC isomers. It is not clear whether that figure, as opposed to 0.3%, is intentional.

US - New Hampshire: House Bill 639 was passed by the House and now heads to the Senate. It would legalise recreational cannabis in the state by establishing retail sales for adults (21+), levying a 15% tax on cultivators, and placing the state's Liquor Commission in charge of regulation.