A push to legalize recreational cannabis in New Hampshire has hit a wall—again. On Wednesday, a key state Senate committee voted down a bill that would have allowed adults to buy and use marijuana legally. The move keeps New Hampshire as the only state in New England where recreational cannabis remains illegal.
The proposal, known as House Bill 1633, passed through the state’s House of Representatives in February. It would have set up a retail system for cannabis sales, closely regulated by the state. But the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 3-2 to recommend that the full Senate reject it.
If the Senate follows that advice in an upcoming vote, it will be the latest in a long line of failed attempts to change the state’s cannabis laws. Similar bills have made it through the House before, only to stall in the Senate.
Under the bill, adults over 21 would have been allowed to purchase marijuana at licensed stores. The state’s Liquor Commission would oversee the new market—just as it currently does with alcohol. Supporters argued that the plan would generate new tax revenue and reduce the burden on law enforcement.
But opponents raised concerns about safety, regulation, and the risk of increased youth access. Republican Senator Bill Gannon, one of the no votes, said, “I just don’t think we’re ready for this.” Others questioned whether the proposed system gave too much control to the government.
New Hampshire does allow medical marijuana and decriminalized small amounts of cannabis years ago. Yet, despite broad public support for full legalization, political efforts continue to fall short.
For now, Granite Staters will have to keep waiting while their neighbors in Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts enjoy full access to legal cannabis.
As cannabis policy continues to evolve across the globe, other European nations are moving forward. In the Czech Republic, medical cannabis has recently been included in health insurance coverage, marking a major shift in public health strategy. Meanwhile, Switzerland is preparing for full legalization in 2025, signaling a broader trend toward regulated cannabis markets in Europe.
