**Why it matters:** A New Hampshire commission tasked with creating a cannabis legalization plan for the state concluded its work without producing any recommendations. The failure to reach a consensus highlights ongoing disagreements over the details of a potential legalization plan, including the structure of retail sales and the number of cannabis shops allowed in the state.
**What they are saying:** Some members of the commission have placed blame on Republican Governor John Sununu for the lack of consensus. The governor has opposed recreational marijuana legalization but has expressed willingness to consider a plan that involves state-run cannabis shops. However, he added new conditions at the last minute, including a limit of 15 cannabis retail shops and a ban on lobbying and political contributions from the cannabis industry. Critics argue that these demands hindered the commission’s progress.
**The big picture:** New Hampshire is the only state in New England that has not legalized cannabis for recreational use. The failure of the commission to formulate a plan has left the prospect of reform uncertain. It also highlights the challenges in finding common ground between lawmakers with differing views on legalization.
**What to watch:** The lack of a specific plan from the commission means that cannabis legalization in New Hampshire will likely continue to be an ongoing topic of discussion in the legislature. The disagreements over key details, such as the number of retail shops and industry regulations, will need to be resolved before any legalization proposal can progress.
**My take:** The failure of the commission to produce any recommendations reflects the challenges and divisions surrounding cannabis legalization in New Hampshire. While the governor’s involvement and last-minute demands have been criticized, it is essential to find common ground and address the concerns proposed by various stakeholders to move forward with a comprehensive legalization plan. The continued discussions in the legislature will be crucial in determining the future of cannabis legalization in the state.
