NH: Marijuana bill passes house, faces veto if passed

WireNH.com
Mar. 18, 2010

A bill to decriminalize small quantities of marijuana overwhelmingly passed the N.H. House of Representatives on March 10 and now heads to the Senate. The bill would make possession of up to one-quarter ounce of pot a violation instead of a misdemeanor.

The House voted 214-137 in favor of the bill, after the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted 16-2 in its favor.

Currently, marijuana possession is punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Under House Bill 1653, sponsored by Rep. Steven Lindey (D-Keene), possession of one-quarter ounce or less would be punishable by a fine of up to $200. Offenders under 18 would also have their parents notified and would be required to complete a drug awareness program. There would be no criminal charge.

Marijuana advocates praised the vote, saying the current penalty for pot possession is excessive. But their celebration will probably be short-lived, as Gov. John Lynch has vowed to veto the bill if it passes the Senate.