Is Marijuana Legal in New Hampshire?

If you’re planning a trip to New Hampshire and contemplating consuming cannabis there, you should read this first. The state is only legal for medical marijuana. Although cannabis possession is decriminalized across New Hampshire, the threshold is low and repeat offenders could easily find themselves in jail. Also, the state offers no reciprocity for out-of-state medical marijuana patients. This page covers all the essentials about the legal status of marijuana in New Hampshire as well as its legislation history.

Is weed legal in New Hampshire?

No, the recreational use of cannabis is currently illegal in New Hampshire.

When will weed be legal in New Hampshire?

Weed or recreational cannabis is still illegal in New Hampshire and there is no timeline or expected date for when it will become legal at the moment.

Are edibles legal in New Hampshire?

No, edibles are still illegal in the state. 

Is medical marijuana legal in New Hampshire?

Yes, medical marijuana is legal in New Hampshire and has been so since 2013 when the state legislature passed relevant legislation.

How to get medical marijuana in New Hampshire

To get medical marijuana in New Hampshire, you’ll need to visit a state-licensed dispensary.

Can I go to a dispensary without a card in New Hampshire?

No, you cannot. Only registered medical marijuana cardholders can purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries in New Hampshire.

How long does it take to get your medical card in New Hampshire?

Applications for medical marijuana cards in New Hampshire are either approved or declined within 15 days.

Does New Hampshire accept out-of-state MMJ cards?

New Hampshire does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders. So, out-of-state cards would not be recognized. However, out-of-state patients can legally possess medical marijuana if their condition is one of the qualifying illnesses recognized in New Hampshire.

Marijuana bills/laws in New Hampshire & key questions

After passing House Bill 573 in 2013, New Hampshire became the 19th state across the U.S. to legalize medical marijuana. HB 573 established a list of debilitating conditions that qualified for marijuana use. Based on the provisions of this law, these conditions must be diagnosed and patients must display severe symptoms.

The medical cannabis legalization bill also established that medical marijuana dispensaries must be non-profit establishments. HB 573 also spelt out the possession and purchase limits, and requirements for MMJ cards. However, the law failed to address issues regarding home cultivation for patients.

In 2014 the state’s House Of Representatives passed a marijuana legalization bill. This bill would have effectively made it legal for adults 21 and over to consume cannabis for recreational purposes across New Hampshire. The bill was ultimately killed off in the Senate.

Moving on, New Hampshire decriminalized cannabis possession in 2017. This essentially made the possession of 0.75 ounces or less of cannabis a civil offense. The punishment is usually $100 for the first and second offenses, and $300 for third offenders. 

How much marijuana can I have in New Hampshire? (in oz)

Patients and their caregivers can jointly possess up to 2 ounces of medical marijuana at any given time. However, patients cannot purchase more than 2 ounces of marijuana every 10 days.

Is Marijuana decriminalized in New Hampshire?

Yes, marijuana has been decriminalized in New Hampshire since 2017.

Is there a fine or penalty for marijuana possession in New Hampshire?

Yes, possession of more than 21 grams of cannabis could easily lead to a fine of $100 for first and second offenses. A third offense could attract up to 3 years in jail and a $300 fine.

How many cannabis plants per household in New Hampshire?

Unfortunately, patients in New Hampshire are not allowed to grow cannabis at home.

New Hampshire dispensaries regulations

The state’s Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for overseeing the regulation and licensing of dispensaries in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire growers regulations

New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services also licenses the commercial cultivation of marijuana in the state.

Closing thoughts

Marijuana legalization advocates in New Hampshire may have to wait until the next election cycle for any progress as the current government has been known to look unfavorably towards legalizing weed in the state.