New Hampshire
Equity Project State Briefing
Legal Status
Is Cannabis Legal in New Hampshire?
- Adult-Use:
No
- Medical:
Yes
Cannabis in New Hampshire is only legal for medical purposes
Date of Legalization
- Medical:
2013
New Hampshire legalized cannabis for medical use in 2013.
Source:
General Court of New Hampshire | New Hampshire House Bill 573. AN Act relative to the use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes
Possession Limits
In New Hampshire, patients may possess up to two ounces of usable cannabis.
Source:
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 126-X:2. Subsection (I)(a). Therapeutic Use of Cannabis Protections
Other Licensing Provisions
License Caps
- License Caps:
Yes
New Hampshire is a limited license state and has medical use licensing caps. No more than 4 Alternative Treatment Centers are permitted at once.
Source:
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 126-X:7. Subsection III. Departmental Administration; Alternative Treatment Centers
Application Selection Process
- Selection System:
Merit
New Hampshire distributes medical cannabis licenses through a merit system.
Source:
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 126-X:7. Subsection I. Departmental Administration; Alternative Treatment Centers
Felony Disqualification on Ownership
- Ownership Exclusion for Felony Convictions:
Yes
- Exemption for Cannabis Offenses:
No
New Hampshire’s medical framework disqualifies applicants for cannabis licensure on the basis of certain convictions. An alternative treatment center shall not allow any person to be an alternative treatment agent who was convicted of a felony or felony drug-related offense. There is no carve-out protecting individuals with qualified cannabis offenses.
Source:
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 126-X:8. Subsection IV-V
N.H. Code R. He-C 402.05. Subsection (c)(12). Registration of ATCs
Employee Criminal Records
- Conviction Restrictions for Employees:
Yes
- Exemption for Cannabis Offenses:
No
New Hampshire’s medical use sector has restrictions disqualifying potential employees with certain convictions. An alternative treatment center shall not allow any person to be an alternative treatment employee agent who was convicted of a felony or felony drug-related offense. There is no carve-out protecting individuals with qualified cannabis offenses.
Source:
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 126-X:8. Subsection IV (a) (1)
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 126-X:1. Subsection II Definitions
N.H. Code R. He-C 402.31. Subsection (f). Personnel
Availability of Expungements
- Expungements:
In Some Cases, Not Automatic
New Hampshire offers record cleaning remedies for certain cannabis convictions, however, this process is not automatic and requires action from the individual. Individuals with a cannabis possession conviction involving 3/4 of an ounce or less may petition the court to have their conviction annulled immediately. Certain controlled substance-related misdemeanors and felonies may also be annulled after varying amounts of time listed within the statute.
Social Equity
Social Equity Definition / Criteria
New Hampshire does not offer a state social equity program to benefit medical cannabis licensees who have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.
Social Equity Provisions
New Hampshire does not offer a state social equity program to benefit medical cannabis licensees who have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.
Fee Waivers and Reductions
New Hampshire does not offer fee waivers or reductions to support medical cannabis licensees who have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.
Other Financial Support for Social Equity Applicants and Licensees
New Hampshire does not offer state-level funding to support medical cannabis licensees who have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.
License Priorities and Set Asides
New Hampshire does not offer state-level licensing priority or set-asides to support medical cannabis licensees who have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.