Once again, it appears that adult use legalization in New Hampshire is officially dead for the year. The state’s Senate resoundly rejected, 15-9, the House’s attempt to insert legalized possession and home growing into a Senate bill related to escaped prisoners on May 12.
Issuing 60 licenses would more than double the current 40 craft grow licenses in Illinois and help give more individuals an opportunity to enter the cannabis industry.
The CROO position was not endowed with any real power, say government insiders. It lacks direct authority over any agency and legislation creating it stipulates that the position is not allowed to directly manage programs or enforcement.
“This is actually our second go at getting a delivery bill through and of course, this time, the governor did not veto it, which is cool.”
The expansion of craft grow licenses has long been a fraught issue in Illinois. Through lawsuits and general advocacy, craft growers in the state have sought reform since Illinois became a recreational state in 2019.
“Getting these questions on the ballot in a year where there’s a presidential election typically is more beneficial for the outcome. Higher voter turnout helps the cannabis perform.”
Over 200 cultivation license applications have been submitted, say state regulators. The deadline is June 30, 2022.
The legislation prompted concerns from industry advocates, since the underground market already sells 60%+ products – and is likely to fill whatever gap is created by state limits on legal industry.
CRMLA is requesting the court to declare the “transmission of the proposed law was legally proper” so the four month petition clock can begin in late January 2022.
About 74% of voters in New Hampshire support the legalization of adult use cannabis, according to a recent University of New Hampshire poll.
