HB 186 legalizes and regulates cannabis for adults 21 and older in New Hampshire, establishing a comprehensive framework for cultivation, manufacturing, and retail sales. The bill creates a Cannabis Commission to license and regulate businesses, sets strict limits on personal possession (2 ounces of flower or equivalent), and prohibits smoking in public places with escalating fines for violations. Revenue from cannabis taxes will fund the general fund (55%), substance misuse prevention programs (15%), municipalities based on sales (25%), and public safety agencies (5%). The bill also includes provisions to vacate past cannabis possession convictions for adults 21+ and creates a dual-use system allowing therapeutic cannabis centers to operate retail stores under specific conditions.
This proposed constitutional amendment would grant New Hampshire adults aged 21 and older the right to possess a modest amount of cannabis for personal consumption. If approved by voters in November 2026, it would amend the state constitution to explicitly protect this right, replacing current laws that lack such a provision. The amendment specifically covers personal possession and consumption, not cultivation, sales, or public use. It requires a two-thirds majority vote in the referendum to take effect.
SB 410 authorizes New Hampshire law enforcement agencies to possess portions of human remains (such as tissue or bone) for training cadaver detection dogs, directly affecting law enforcement, funeral homes, and mortuaries. The bill requires written consent from next of kin or the deceased’s prior donation authorization, specifies the exact portions to be used, and mandates documentation retention. After training, all remains must be returned to a New Hampshire institution of higher education or a licensed medical waste disposal company. Agencies must also develop written policies covering consent, handling, storage, and final disposition, all to be submitted to the police standards council. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.
HB 1235 legalizes possession and personal use of cannabis for New Hampshire residents aged 21 or older, with specific quantity limits: up to 2.5 ounces of flower/trim, 10 grams of concentrate, or products containing no more than 2,000mg THC. It defines key terms like "cannabis products" (including edibles) and excludes hemp (under separate law) and certain plant parts. Possession of small amounts by those under 21 remains a violation punishable by fines ($100-$300), not criminal charges. The bill shifts enforcement focus from minor cannabis offenses to serious crimes while establishing clear limits for adult use.
HB 1801 modifies four key areas of law enforcement practice. It requires the state to prove a detention was lawful after a plaintiff shows it was unlawful, with $100 hourly damages (adjusted annually) for wrongful detention. The bill revises drug forfeiture rules to specify which property (like vehicles, money, or real estate) can be seized and adds a lien on seized items. It also mandates new certification requirements for law enforcement officers and creates a violation-level offense for officers who knowingly provide false information in written reports. These changes directly affect individuals claiming unlawful detention, property owners in drug cases, and law enforcement officers.
