The cause of marijuana legalization in New Hampshire hit a road block this week -- but not a dead end. A House committee has voted against legalizing marijuana but a special commission will continue to explore the idea, weighing various aspects of legalization through December of 2018, when it presents a final report.
Read our story on this show: Debate Continues Over Marijuana Legalization in New Hampshire.
GUESTS:
- Kate Frey - Vice President of Advocacy for New Futures, a nonprofit organization that promotes policies addressing substance use disorder, health and early childhood issues; prior to joining New Futures she worked for 20 years for the state of N.H., including as the legislative liaison at the division of public health at the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Karmen Hanson - Health program director at the National Conference of State Legislatures, where she covers marijuana policy.
- Frank Sapareto - Republican state representative from Derry and co-chair of the criminal justice and public safety committee. He is a supporter of legalizing recreational marijuana and was co-sponsor of a bill decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana that was signed into law by Governor Sununu.
Related Reading
A UNH poll finds strong support for legalizing marijuana.
Massachusetts may have passed legalization, but the Lowell Sun reports moratoriums are becoming widespread.
An NCSL deep dive into marijuana laws around the country.
Kaiser Health News reports that the legalization of marijuana for adults in California and other states presents a challenge for youth-oriented drug education and prevention programs.