N.H. Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

The New Hampshire House of Representatives has voted 214-137 in favor of decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana, but the bill still faces a veto threat from Gov. John Lynch.

The Lawrence Eagle-Tribune reported March 11 that the bill would drop criminal penalties against individuals found in possession of a quarter-ounce or less of marijuana, reducing the crime to a misdemeanor and imposing a maximum fine of $200. Currently, possession of this amount of marijuana can trigger a fine of up to $2,000 and a year in jail.

The measure now goes to the state Senate; the House fell 17 votes short of the number needed to override an expected veto by Lynch if the Senate approves the bill.

Last year, the House voted to approve the governor’s veto of a medical-marijuana bill but the Senate fell two votes short of an override.