New Hampshire legalized medical marijuana in 2013 when it passed House Bill 573. The law established a list of qualifying, albeit restrictive, conditions. Under the law, not only does a patient need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition, but they also have to exhibit severe symptoms of the debilitating condition. In addition, HB 573 requires dispensaries to be not-for-profit and set requirements for MMJ qualifications, as well as purchase and possession limits.

In January of 2022, the NH House approved an adult-use cannabis legalization bill after similar legislation cleared the House in 2020, but ultimately stalled in the Senate.

In March of 2022, The New Hampshire House of Representatives approved a bill to legalize adult-use cannabis and conduct sales through state-run stores, allowing adults to possess up to three-fourths of an ounce of cannabis and cultivate up to six plants at home.

In June of 2023, Vermonts Therapeutic Cannabis Program authorized reciprocity for out-of-state MMJ patients.

In August of 2023, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signed a bill to establish a commission to look into how New Hampshire might legalize cannabis and allow for adult-use sales in the state. Gov. Sununu has stated recently that recreational cannabis legalization is inevitable, so he is aiming to set up a state-controlled system reflective of its alcohol and tobacco sales. In 2024 however, multiple versions of cannabis legalization bills were presented to the Governor and he decided against signing them.

In November of 2024, Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R) was elected as the 83rd governor of New Hampshire. Three legalization bills have been filed in 2025, however the newly elected governor stands in opposition to the legalization of cannabis.  

There is no notable activity at this time.

Although Gov. Ayotte is not in favor of cannabis legalization, there is growing support from citizens and lawmakers. Furthermore, NH is now the only state in New England without an adult-use cannabis program. Keep an eye on the legalization bills filed in 2025. If any of the legalization efforts prove successful, New Hampshire will have plenty of room for growth and could be a great opportunity dependent on the agreed upon market and licensing structure.