HB 544-FN is a comprehensive bill that seeks to legalize the retail sale, possession, and use of cannabis for individuals 21 years of age or older in New Hampshire. It outlines the regulatory framework for the cultivation, manufacture, testing, and sale of cannabis, and grants the liquor commission the authority to oversee these activities. The bill allows municipalities to regulate the number and type of cannabis establishments within their jurisdiction and establishes the cannabis control fund for the distribution of funds to municipalities and the general fund. It also appropriates funds for public media campaigns on the risks of cannabis use. The bill includes insertions of new legal language to legalize cannabis and its regulation, and it deletes irrelevant language regarding the possession of a valid passport from a specific country. It also amends the definition of "illegal drug" to include cannabis, unless authorized by law, and adds a new chapter defining terms related to cannabis regulation.

The bill mandates the liquor commission to process applications for cannabis establishments and issue registrations within 90 days, subject to compliance and availability. It sets residency requirements for applicants, mandates background checks, and prohibits cannabis establishments near schools. The bill also establishes penalties for underage possession and use of cannabis and outlines the responsibilities of the Liquor Commission in regulating cannabis, including rulemaking for licenses and penalties for violations. Furthermore, the bill appropriates $4,600,000 for the administration of the cannabis program and discusses the anticipated challenges and timeline for implementation. It highlights the potential impact on patient registration, state revenue, and local law enforcement, and notes the absence of taxes on adult-use sales. The fiscal impact on local expenditures, revenue, and the judicial and correctional systems is considered indeterminable at this stage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12, 179:8, 318-C:4, 176:9, 176:11, 176:14, 318-B:26, 318-B:2-c, 265-A:43, 318-B:1