Pubdate: Mon, 30 Dec 2013
Source: Portsmouth Herald (NH)
Contact:  2013 Associated Press
Website: http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/index.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1157
Author: Norma Love, Associated Press

LEGALIZED POT UP FOR VOTE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

House Lawmakers to Consider Use of Up to 1 Ounce for Recreational Use

Concord, NH (AP) - New Hampshire's House votes early next month 
whether to legalize up to 1 ounce of marijuana for recreational use 
for anyone age 21 and older.

Supporters propose taxing the drug when it is sold at retail at a 
rate of $30 per ounce and letting people grow up to six marijuana 
plants in a controlled environment.

State Rep. Steve Vaillancourt, a Manchester Republican supporting the 
bill, said the legislation is modeled after one approved by Colorado 
voters last year and is similar to one Washington voters passed.

"Nothing in the bill would allow anyone to drive under the influence 
of marijuana or any other substance. By legalizing, regulating and 
taxing (marijuana), society would in effect be taking the profit away 
from illegal operations which truly harm society," he wrote fellow 
representatives in support of the bill.

Vaillancourt said taxing the drug would produce millions of dollars 
in tax revenue. He noted that the bill would not be effective until 
July 1 to provide time to implement it properly.

Opponents argue marijuana is bad for people's health and would be 
difficult to regulate.

Criminal Justice and Public Safety Chairwoman Laura Pantelakos also 
noted that marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

"If New Hampshire were to legalize and regulate marijuana, it would 
create an unclear picture of the state versus federal law 
enforcement, particularly since the (Department of Justice) has 
stated it will rely on states that legalize to strictly enforce and 
regulate marijuana," Pantelakos said in a report to the House. She 
said that could shift regulatory costs onto the state.

Lawmakers have considered but rejected decriminalizing small amounts 
of marijuana for recreational use in the past, most recently last 
session. But decriminalization supporters were encouraged when the 
state -- with Gov. Maggie Hassan's backing -- made it legal for the 
seriously ill to possess and use the drug earlier this year. 
Implementing the state's medical marijuana law is expected to take a year.

If the bill passes the House, it faces a doubtful future. The Senate 
rejected a bill to decriminalize possession of up to one-quarter 
ounce of the drug this year and Hassan opposes decriminalization.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom