This bill legalizes the possession of cannabis for individuals aged 21 and older in New Hampshire, while prohibiting public consumption. It repeals and reenacts RSA 318-B:2-c, which defines "cannabis" and establishes possession limits, allowing individuals to possess up to two ounces of cannabis flower or trim, ten grams of cannabis concentrate, and cannabis products containing no more than 2,000 milligrams of THC. The bill also introduces penalties for public smoking or vaping of cannabis, with escalating fines for repeat offenses, and specifies that individuals under 21 who possess cannabis will face violations and potential fines, although no arrests will occur solely for such violations. All fines collected will be directed to the alcohol abuse prevention and treatment fund, and records related to violations will be kept confidential.

Additionally, HB 198-FN amends the Controlled Drug Act by clarifying penalties for cannabis possession. It states that possession of more than 3/4 ounce of marijuana or more than 5 grams of hashish by individuals under 21 will result in a misdemeanor, while exceeding possession limits for those 21 and older will also lead to a misdemeanor unless authorized under RSA 126-X. The bill further clarifies the legal status of cannabis in workplaces and correctional facilities, stating that employers are not required to accommodate cannabis use and that driving under the influence remains illegal. It prohibits the transfer of cannabis to individuals under 21 and allows property owners to regulate cannabis use on their premises. The act modifies existing language by replacing "marijuana" with "cannabis" in certain contexts and is set to take effect upon passage, with indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local expenditures related to judicial and correctional systems.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 318-B:26, 265-A:43