This bill, HB 75-FN, legalizes the possession and use of cannabis for individuals aged 21 and older, making significant amendments to existing laws. It specifically modifies RSA 126-X:3 to stipulate that any qualifying patient or designated caregiver who sells cannabis to unauthorized individuals will have their registry identification card revoked. The bill also removes cannabis from the definitions of controlled substances in RSA 146:6 and RSA 318-B, effectively decriminalizing its possession and use for adults. New penalties are introduced for underage possession, categorizing violations for individuals under 21 and establishing a referral process for those under 18. Additionally, it clarifies that public use of marijuana will be considered a violation.

Moreover, the bill mandates the removal of cannabis from the schedule of controlled drugs within 30 days of its effective date and deletes references to marijuana from offenses that allow for the interception of communications by law enforcement. It also ensures that individuals currently convicted of cannabis-related offenses will have their convictions annulled and pending charges dismissed. The legislation prohibits state, county, or local law enforcement from enforcing federal cannabis laws and repeals various existing laws related to marijuana. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is anticipated to have indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local governments, particularly in the judicial and correctional sectors.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 146:6, 169-B:2, 265-A:43, 318-B:1, 318-B:26, 318-B:27, 318-C:4, 570-A:1, 570-A:7