Two legalization bills prompt debate over public use, policing and public safety

Representatives Jared Sullivan and Heath Howard presented related bills that would legalize limited personal possession of cannabis for adults and prohibit smoking or vaping in public. Sullivan described his bill as modeled on prior Senate language that legalizes possession but leaves retail regulation for a later session, saying "My goal here is to stop arresting people." He cited data showing hundreds of possession arrests in 2023 and argued neighboring states’ legal markets make New Hampshire an outlier.

Karen O'Keefe of the Marijuana Policy Project supported legalization and framed it as a liberty and public‑health issue: she said many adults already use cannabis and noted polling showing broad public support. She warned that criminal records for minor possession can have long, damaging collateral consequences.

Opponents including Sue Hamola and law‑enforcement representatives argued legalization sends the wrong message to youth, risks increased public use, and complicates impaired‑driving enforcement because there is no reliable roadside test for cannabis intoxication. One committee member said the public‑use ban in the draft was a key guardrail but raised concerns about unregulated retail and large possession amounts without a legal in‑state market.

During committee discussion members debated whether the bills are the right vehicle for reform, whether legalization without an in‑state regulatory market is premature, and whether current enforcement burdens justify immediate statutory change. The transcript records a committee motion to recommend interim study (ITL) on the bill; a roll‑call following discussion is reflected in the hearing record but committee minutes should be consulted for final status.