SB 485 · 2026 · Senate · Judiciary Committee
Hemp product licensing and taxation
AI-generatedrelative to the licensure, regulation and taxation of hemp-based derivative products.
Defines hemp-based derivative products, creates a licensing scheme for their sale within the liquor commission, authorizes the liquor commission to adopt related rules, and levies a tax on their wholesale sale.AI-generated
Status
Referred to interim study (Senate) · March 6, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✕Senate
- House
- Governor
- Law
Analysis
This bill: I. Defines hemp-based derivative products. II. Creates a licensing scheme for the sale of hemp-based derivative products within the liquor commission. III. Enables the liquor commission to make rules relative to the regulation of hemp-based derivative products. IV. Levies a tax on wholesale sale of hemp-based derivative products.
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
“Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize the sale of products that are derived from hemp which contain natural or synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) greater than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis, which appear in any formulation, including delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, or any other THC isomer variant.”
““Batch” means a single stock-keeping unit with common cannabinoid input or a hemp flower of the same varietal and harvested on the same date and manufactured during a defined cycle in such a way that it could be expected to be of a uniform character and should be designated as such.”
“Enforce this chapter in a manner that may reasonably be expected to reduce the extent to which noncompliant HDCPs are sold and conducting random, unannounced inspections at locations where HDCPs are manufactured stored for wholesale distribution, and sold at retail to ensure compliance with this chapter in furtherance of protecting the health and safety of the public.”
“No person shall engage in the business of manufacturing, supplying, the wholesale distribution of, or selling HDCPs in this state without first registering to do business with the secretary of state and obtaining a license for such activity under the provisions of this chapter.”
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
- Sen. Howard PearlRChair· Executive Departments and Administration
- Sen. Keith MurphyRDeputy President Pro Tempore
- Sen. Daniel InnisRChair, Majority Policy Conference
- Sen. Regina BirdsellRMajority Leader
- Rep. John HuntRChair· Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Also: Sen. David WattersD
Public testimony
No one submitted online testimony on this bill. See the record
Votes
yeanay- Mar 12, 2026SenateCommittee report: Referred to Interim Study4–0Overall100% yea
- Mar 12, 2026SenateVoice voteRefer to Interim Studyadopted
Hearings and debates
- Jan 22, 2026Public hearingSenate Judiciary51:36–52:2044slocated in the stream transcriptHearing
- Mar 12, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamCommittee Report: Referred to Interim Study; Refer to Interim Study — adopted, voice vote
Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.
Legislative history
- Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 1
- Jan 22, 2026SenHearing: 01/22/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:25 pm; SC 2
- Mar 12, 2026Sen: Referred to Interim Study, 03/12/2026; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 9
- Mar 12, 2026SenRefer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
Coverage
No reporting linked yet.
Documents (PDF)
Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.