New Hemp County

Source: unionleader.com

Long time coming: After years and years of trying, Rep. Derek Owen, D-Hopkinton, will see his bill legalizing the growing of industrial hemp pass the House next week, likely on a voice vote.

Writing for the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, which approved House Bill 1615 on a 15-1 vote, Manchester Rep. Phil Greazzo said: “The committee recognizes the historical significance hemp has played in the establishment of our great nation and believes it's time for New Hampshire to take a stand in urging the federal government to allow our farmers, industries and businesses to once again put this crop back into service. If one cared to translate the name ‘New Hampshire' to modern English, you would realize we're living in New Hemp County.”

He went on to say Hemp was last grown in New Hampshire during the 1950s. “It's time to return this invaluable crop to our agriculture.”

However, the same committee was not willing to exempt the cultivation of marijuana from the manufacturing of a controlled drug section of the law.

The committee voted, 15-1, to kill HB 1527. Greazzo said the bill would be a mistake and “would open up a flood gate of growing operations which would likely fund the criminal element instead of law abiding citizens.”

The House is not only expected to legalize hemp growing but also could decriminalize marijuana possession.

The committee voted, 9-7, to approve HB 1526, which would make the possession of less than a half-ounce a violation that only carries a fine. Originally, the bill would have decriminalized possession of less than 1 ounce.

The first two offenses would be a violation, but the third would be a misdemeanor that could bring a year in jail.

Committee member Rep. Kyle Tasker, R-Northwood, said the change would bring the state in line with its neighbors.

But the committee had no taste for legalizing the sale and possession of marijuana, as HB 1705would do, voting, 10-7, to kill the bill.

The bill would not only legalize marijuana but also have the state regulate its sale and tax it.

Rep. Mark Warden, R-Manchester, a bill sponsor, said: “Taxing and regulating marijuana would lead to an increase in revenues into state coffers, allowing for reduction of taxes elsewhere or adding to the Rainy Day Fund. Tax receipts would far surpass regulatory and enforcement costs, as we see today with sales of tobacco and alcohol. People in the Live Free or Die state should be free to engage in activities they enjoy, as long as they are not harming others or infringing on others' rights.”