I have been working toward legalizing cannabis since 2018. Recently, I worked on a bipartisan effort spearheaded by Rep. Erica Layon (R-Derry.) Our original bill (HB 1633) was overwhelmingly passed in the Commerce Committee (on which I serve) and the full House of Representatives.
The bill was a common-sense approach to the sale of cannabis, enabling oversight by the state government while ensuring a role for New Hampshire entrepreneurs.
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(1) comment
I share Anita Burroughs' concern re: the State Senate's version of the Cannabis Bill. Although there are legitimate concerns about intoxicated individuals (stoned or drunk) driving while impaired, that's where the similarities between Cannabis and Alcohol end. For example: Drunks can often be violent, while Stoners are seldom violent. Drunks require stringent laws and enforcement activities. Stoners do not.
The prohibition against a stoned passenger in a vehicle is ludicrous. Is there a prohibition against drunken passengers on the books? Of course not! We even have a nationally recognized Designated Driver campaign to encourage a sober individual to take the wheel when there are drunks needing a lift.
The massive lack of understanding of Cannabis use on the part of the NH Senate reflects a similar lack of understanding among powerful interests who, unfortunately, are driving this bus to our detriment.
According to a recent NH survey, 87% of those polled favor Cannabis Legalization, and 78% would like to try growing their own. State owned dispensaries tend to vastly overprice their Cannabis offerings, thus inviting ongoing (and often violent) competition from Mexican cartels.
In Hawaii, official dispensaries offer overpriced products. The response has been for local growers to up their game.
I propose a program that prohibits sale or distribution of Cannabis with foreign chemicals present - like pesticides, weed killers (no pun intended), etc... Offer amnesty to those who offer their products for testing... This gets dangerous products off our streets, and seriously undercuts violent cartel activity.
On this topic, the NH Senate is all about control for the sake of control - and profit for a few. This shouldn't stand.
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