After Lengthy Floor Debate, New Hampshire General Assembly Approves Marijuana Legalization

After a heated and lengthy debate on the floor of the New Hampshire General Assembly, the lower chamber of New Hampshire’s legislature voted 170 to 165 in favor of House Bill 492, legislation that would make New Hampshire the third state in this country to legalize and regulate marijuana.

House Bill 492 initially received a “Ought Not to Pass” report from the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, but in New Hampshire all measures still receive a floor vote. Lawmakers debated the measure for more than two hours this afternoon and initially voted 170 to 168 to accept the committee report. This prompted outcry from the gallery and General Assembly members voted 173 to 165 to reconsider and revote on the bill. On the second vote, 170 members voted to reject the “Ought Not to Pass” report and only 168 voted to uphold it. They then voted to adopt amendments to adjust minor details of the bill. More debate ensued, but when the final vote was held 170 voted in favor of approving HB492 as amended and 165 voted in opposition.

“This vote is a historic one,” stated NORML Communications Director Erik Altieri, “Today’s vote approving House Bill 492 was the first time a full house in a state legislature approved legislation to legalize and regulate marijuana for all adults. 58% of Americans support ending our prohibition on marijuana and the New Hampshire General Assembly’s actions today hopefully signal that politicians are finally catching up to the will of their constituents on this issue.”

The measure will now await action in the state Senate. Governor Maggie Hassan has already stated her opposition to this measure.

NORML will keep you updated on this evolving situation.