The bill HB 75-FN legalizes the possession and use of cannabis for individuals aged 21 and older, making significant amendments to existing laws. It removes the term "cannabis" from the list of controlled substances in RSA 146:6, IV, and deletes references to cannabis-type drugs in RSA 318-B:1, XVII and XX. The bill introduces new penalties for cannabis-related offenses, particularly for individuals under 21, establishing that those under 18 found in possession of marijuana will be referred for a substance misuse assessment, while those under 21 will face a violation. Additionally, it mandates the annulment of existing cannabis-related criminal convictions and sentences, effectively dismissing charges for individuals arrested for such offenses as of the bill's effective date.

Moreover, the bill prohibits state, county, or local law enforcement from enforcing federal laws that restrict cannabis use and repeals various statutes related to cannabis regulation and penalties. It also deletes the term "marijuana" from telecommunications interception laws, allowing law enforcement to concentrate on more serious crimes. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and while it is expected to have indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local expenditures, it does not project any revenue generation.

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