The bill SB 651-FN-A seeks to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis in New Hampshire for individuals aged 21 and older, establishing a comprehensive framework for the licensing and regulation of cannabis establishments under the newly renamed Liquor and Cannabis Commission. Key provisions include the creation of a Cannabis Fund, funded by a 12.5% excise tax on cannabis sales, to support public education, substance use prevention, and recovery programs. The bill outlines possession limits for adults, prohibits sales to minors, and emphasizes consumer safety through testing and labeling of cannabis products. It also introduces new definitions related to cannabis, modifies existing laws regarding controlled substances, and clarifies penalties for violations, particularly for individuals under 21.

Additionally, the bill includes significant amendments to the Controlled Drug Act, removing references to "marijuana" and "hashish" in certain contexts and establishing new penalties for possession based on age and quantity. It allows alternative treatment centers to operate for-profit and introduces provisions for their conversion or merger with other business entities. The bill mandates that municipalities can regulate cannabis establishments within their jurisdictions and allocates a portion of cannabis revenue to public safety agencies. Overall, SB 651-FN-A aims to create a structured and regulated cannabis market while addressing public health and safety concerns, with a focus on transitioning sales from the illicit market to legal businesses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12, 179:8, 318-B:17-c, 318-C:4, 318-B:26, 318-B:2-c, 318-B:2-d, 318-B:27, 265-A:43, 76:3, 126-X:1, 126-X:7, 126-X:8, 292:7, 293-A:9, 304-C:149, 176:9, 176:7, 179:59, 176:11, 178:19-a, 176:1, 176:14, 318-B:1
SB651 text: 6:12, 179:8, 318-B:17-c, 318-C:4, 318-B:26, 318-B:2-c, 318-B:2-d, 318-B:27, 265-A:43, 76:3, 126-X:1, 126-X:7, 126-X:8, 292:7, 293-A:9, 304-C:149, 176:9, 176:7, 179:59, 176:11, 178:19-a, 176:1, 176:14