Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Make a sustaining gift today to support local journalism!

N.H. Votes (Again) to Decriminalize Pot

PROBartolomej Jahoda via Flickr CC
/
https://flic.kr/p/F4s3N

 The New Hampshire House has again voted decriminalize marijuana. This proposal would make first offense possession of a 1/4 ounce or less a violation.

The 289-58 vote marked the seventh time house lawmakers have tried to make marijuana possession a violation.

Backers of this proposal, like Hampton Democrat Renny Cushing pitched it as a middle ground.

"This is a compromise that will allow us to have first time offenders who have a small amount of marijuana escape a lifetime of draconian punishment for that and have a second chance."

First offenders caught for marijuana would be fined $300. Subsequent violation could be charged as misdemeanors. The bill now heads back to the senate. That chamber has has never supported decriminalization, but has backed making marijuana possession a non-specific misdemeanor.

Supporters of that change -- including police chiefs -- think that will treating giving judge more flexibility to treat marijuana crimes as violations if circumstances warrant it.

Josh has worked at NHPR since 2000.
Related Content

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.