HB 1235 · 2026 · House · Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee
Legalizing limited cannabis possession
AI-generatedlegalizing certain quantities of cannabis.
Authorizes possession and use of cannabis by persons 21 years of age or older, subject to specified quantity restrictions and other limitations.AI-generated
Status
Committee recommended Inexpedient to Legislate; died at adjournment · February 24, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Analysis
This bill authorizes the possession and use of cannabis by a person 21 years of age or older, subject to certain quantity restrictions and other limitations.
From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.
In the bill's words
Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site
““Cannabis concentrate” means the resin extracted from a cannabis plant and every preparation that is composed primarily of such resin, including, but not limited to, hashish and cannabis oils for vaporization.”
“Any person who drives on any way a vehicle while knowingly having in his or her possession or in any part of the vehicle a controlled drug or controlled drug analog in violation of the provisions of RSA 318-B shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and his or her license shall be revoked or his or her right to drive denied for a period of 60 days and at the discretion of the court for a period not to exceed 2 years.”
“"Cannabis concentrate" shall not include cannabis products made from cannabis concentrate where the majority of the content by weight is something other than cannabis such as, but not limited to, edible products, topical products, and tinctures.”
“"Cannabis product" means any product that contains cannabis, including cannabis extracts, concentrated cannabis products, and products that contain cannabis and other ingredients and are intended for use or consumption, such as, but not limited to, edible products, ointments, and tinctures.”
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
- Rep. Heath HowardDDeputy Ranking Member· Executive Departments and Administration
- Rep. Tom MannionRAssistant Majority Whip
- Rep. Dan McGuireRVice Chair· Finance
Also: Rep. Carol McGuireR, Rep. Alice WadeD
Public testimony
32 signed in online · 12 wrote testimony
72% support28% oppose0% neutral
In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted
“I strongly support this bill. This bill allows people and patients legal piece of mind, so they don't have to worry about unnecessary court or possession charges, while transporting legal marajuana products home. Please support this bill.”
“It is long overdue to decriminalize cannabis in the state of NH. Every other state surrounding us has done this, and we are woefully backwards in many ways, particularly this one. People should not be fined or jailed for possessing cannabis for their own consumption.…”
“Just like the US flag, the state flag, and the POW/MIA flag, the rainbow flag is a sign of unity and welcoming.”
“We train and hire educators please allow them to do their jobs This is ridiculous overkill oversight that is unnecessary - a blanket bill that furthers nothing in a child’s education Cumbersome and ludicrous”
“Please no! Don’t Mass up NH by legalizing weed. Everyone comes here to get away from it. It isn’t right for our families and communities. Don’t let the promise of dollar signs cloud your moral judgement.”
Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.
Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026
Votes
yeanay- Feb 13, 2026HouseCommittee report· regular calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate8–5Overall62% yea
Hearings and debates
- Jan 29, 2026Public hearingHouse Criminal Justice and Public Safety2:04:46–2:12:588m 12slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.
Legislative history
- Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 1 P. 11
- Jan 29, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/29/2026 12:00 pm GP 159
- Feb 13, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/13/2026 12:00 pm GP 159
- Feb 13, 2026HouseMajority : Inexpedient to Legislate 02/13/2026 (Vote 8-5; RC) HC 10 P. 81
- Feb 24, 2026HouseMinority : Ought to Pass
Coverage
No reporting linked yet.
Documents (PDF)
Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.