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SB 461 · 2026 · Senate · Judiciary Committee

Updated legal definition of hemp

AI-generated

relative to the definition of hemp.

Includes total tetrahydrocannabinol concentration in the definition of hemp.AI-generated

Status

Died — the House and Senate did not agree · May 21, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕Senate
  3. House
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill includes the total tetrahydrocannabinol concentration in the definition of hemp.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. Donovan FentonDPrime
  • Sen. Regina BirdsellRMajority Leader
  • Rep. Wayne MacDonaldRChair· Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Also: Sen. Tara ReardonD

Public testimony

67 signed in online · 10 wrote testimony

93% support6% oppose1% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Measuring THC makes sense, just like measuring alcohol content. It’s a dangerously addictive product that needs regulation for the health and safety of all NH residents. Please support this bill!”
— Kristen Merritt, Nashuasupports
“Common sense dictates we need to put some guardrails around these substances or we will find ourselves with an increasing number of young people becoming substance users contributing to an already huge problem in our state. Thank you for your consideration.”
— Charles Mancuso, Doversupports
“Please pass this bill and protect our children from these harmful substances!”
— Carrie Chooljian, Hampsteadsupports
“Q: Can you guess why regulated intoxicating marijuana sellers SUPPORT this bill? A: To drive competition out from the regulated pot market. Duh. Got to keep pure brain poison potent ... don't you know.”
— Daniel Richardson, Nashuaopposes
“SAM NH supports the addition of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) to the definition of hemp. SB461 as amended also mirrors the federal definition of hemp.…”
— Susan Homola, Hollis · Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)neutral

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-221:00 pmSenate JudiciarySH 100Public hearing
  • 2026-03-1810:00 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyGP 159Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 1
  2. Jan 22, 2026SenHearing: 01/22/2026, Room 100, SH, 02:00 pm; SC 2
  3. Feb 5, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0369s, 02/05/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 4
  4. Feb 5, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-0369s, AA, VV; 02/05/2026; SJ 3
  5. Feb 5, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0369s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 02/05/2026; SJ 3
  6. Feb 19, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 02/19/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 5 P. 124
  7. Mar 18, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 03/18/2026 12:00 am GP 159
  8. Mar 18, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 03/18/2026 12:00 am GP 159
  9. Apr 14, 2026House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1344h 04/14/2026 (Vote 13-0; CC) HC 19 P. 11
  10. May 14, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1344h: AA VV 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 11
  11. May 14, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1344h: MA VV 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 11
  12. May 21, 2026SenSen. Gannon Moved Nonconcur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/21/2026; SJ 13

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.