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Sponsor presents adult‑use legalization bill as ‘responsible’ plan to keep revenue in New Hampshire
Summary
Senator Don Fenton framed SB 6 51 as a regulated, safety‑focused adult‑use legalization plan that would direct revenue to education and prevention; committee members raised questions about impaired‑driving risks and youth exposure.
Senator Don Fenton told the Judiciary Committee that SB 6 51 would legalize and regulate adult‑use cannabis while including guardrails similar to alcohol: a 21‑year minimum purchase age, ID checks, product testing and labeling, tracking, and funding for enforcement and prevention. “This bill doesn't just legalize cannabis and walk away,” Fenton said, adding that revenue would be directed to education, substance‑use prevention, treatment and recovery, and public safety programs.
During questioning, members raised concerns about impaired driving and combined intoxication. One lawmaker cited data suggesting poly‑substance use in crashes and asked whether legalization could exacerbate accidents. Fenton said the bill includes funding for training and enforcement and argued experience from other states shows regulation and investment in enforcement can address those challenges.
Some members raised concerns about messaging to youth and the visibility of advertising; the sponsor replied that age limits and retail licensing rules would mirror established approaches used for alcohol and tobacco. The hearing record shows substantive safety and youth‑protection questions but no committee vote.
