| N.H. Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy |
New Hampshire’s Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on HB 1653, a bill that would remove criminal penalties for possession of up to one-quarter ounce of marijuana and replace them with a fine of up to $200, on Tuesday, April 6.
Under current New Hampshire law, possession of any amount of cannabis is a misdemeanor offense, carrying a potential penalty of up to one year in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a criminal conviction.
| Photo: NH Capitol Access |
| Matt Simon: “This makes three years in a row that the House has passed a bill attempting to reform New Hampshire’s archaic marijuana policies” |
Having a marijuana conviction could damage an individual’s ability to find a job, get government benefits, or qualify for student financial aid, according to Matt Simon of the New Hampshire Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy.
Sponsored by Rep. Steve Lindsey (D-Keene), HB 1653 would also require parents of offenders younger than 18 to be informed of their offense. Underage offenders would have to complete a drug awareness program within a year of the violation, or face a $1,000 fine.
Last month, the same bill passed the New Hampshire House of Representatives by a bipartisan 214-137 vote.
“This makes three years in a row that the House has passed a bill attempting to reform New Hampshire’s archaic marijuana policies,” Simon said.
WHAT: New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on marijuana decriminalization bill
WHO: Witnesses will testify in favor of the bill
WHERE: State House Room 103, Concord, N.H.
WHEN: Tuesdasy, April 6, 2:30 p.m.
