Tuesday the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee approved a bill that would reduce the penalty for possessing small amounts of marijuana. HB 1526 was first amended, then voted “ought to pass” by the committee in a 9-7 vote. With the amendment, possession of less than ½ ounce becomes a violation for the first two offenses before rising to the level of misdemeanor for the third offense.

 Three bills of interest have been scheduled for hearings:

HB 1705 allows the purchase and use of marijuana by adults, regulates the purchase and use of marijuana, and imposes taxes on the wholesale and retail sale of marijuana. This bill has been scheduled for a public hearing Wednesday, January 25, at 11:00 a.m. in Room 204 of the Legislative Office Building in Concord.

This very comprehensive article by Richard Ager kicks off 2012 with a comprehensive discussion of marijuana and marijuana policy in New Hampshire.

In 2012, we will work to make New Hampshire the 17th state to pass an effective medical marijuana law.  The home base for this campaign will be NHCompassion.org, so please bookmark that site and stay tuned for new developments.

It's easier than you might think!  Click here to find out how you can help, regardless of your location.

Terry Date reports in the 8/27 Eagle-Tribune: "NH subcommittee studies marijuana options"

At the Manchester GOP Candidate Fair and Straw Poll August 21, Kelly Ayotte received a lesson on medical marijuana from a person who knows the truth.

Any person driving past the giant state liquor store on I-93 sees a large yellow banner encouraging motorists to stop and spend some of their hard-earned cash on booze.  If you live in New Hampshire, you've seen it: "Tax-Free Savings! Stock up and Save!"

Those who stopped by the northbound liquor store between 4:00 and 6:00  August 20 were also invited to consume a strong dose of information.  Congratulations to the "Shire Activists" (whatever that means exactly) for sharing some very compelling perspectives outside the liquor store.  Video is here.