The persistent push to legalize medical marijuana distribution in New Hampshire has flown mostly under the radar this session, as budget matters and issues like fighting federal health care reform have made most of the headlines. But the initiative has momentum, and today brings a vote that could hold the key to its fate.
Marijuana photo by Scott Beale / Laughing Squid
Later today, the N.H. Senate will vote on House Bill 442, which would allow people to legally use marijuana to treat certain diseases, under narrow qualifying exceptions and with a medical doctor’s recommendation.
The bill has strong bipartisan sponsorship from both chambers, including Rep. Evalyn Merrick (D-Lancaster), the bill’s prime sponsor, and Sen. James Forsythe (R-Strafford). And the House overwhelmingly passed the measure by a 221-96 vote in March.
In a closer 3-2 vote and with many suggested changes, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee has given it a narrow recommendation. Among the many amendments the committee would like to see are a controlled patient ID system and state-licensed (but not state-funded) alternative treatment centers to distribute the drug. (You can read the complete amendment by going to the May 5 Senate calendar page here, then scrolling down the amendments in numerical order to HB 442.)
Veto History — and Future
Supporters say that, if passed, the bill would create the strictest medical marijuana law in the country. But Gov. John Lynch is not among the bill’s supporters. He vetoed a similar measure in 2009, and has vowed to do the same this year, saying there simply aren’t enough legal safeguards.
He’s not readying his veto pen yet, though. House Bill 442, if it passes the Senate today with the committee’s suggested amendments, will still need to go back to the House for approval of those changes. Only when it’s passed both chambers will it go to Lynch’s desk.
Two years ago, the House had enough votes to override the veto, but the Senate fell two votes short of the two-thirds majority required.
If it eventually passes this session, New Hampshire would join 15 other states — including neighboring Vermont and Maine — and the District of Columbia in permitting medical marijuana.
>> Wednesday, May 11, full Senate session beginning at 10 a.m. at the State House.
This Daily Briefing was written by Michael McCord, with contributions from Hilary Niles.