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Decriminalizing marijuana?

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On Tuesday, April 11 a Senate committee will host a public hearing on HB 640, a bill to decriminalize marijuana. Decriminalization would make possession of one ounce or less of marijuana a violation, similar to a speeding ticket.  Click here for more details on the issue. Every other state in New England has decriminalized marijuana.  That hasn’t stopped the New Hampshire Senate from voting down marijuana decriminalization every year since 2012. Read more about this issue. 

"Would you support the decriminalization of marijuana in New Hampshire?"

Discussion held on Citizens Count NH website and Facebook page April 1, 2017

736 citizens responded 540 citizens were opposed to decriminalization of marijuana in New Hampshire112 citizens were in favor of decriminalization of marijuana in New Hampshire 84 citizens commented on related questions or issues
What Participants Said

Yes: 540 citizens were in favor of the decriminalization of marijuana. 

  • “Yes. It's a good start, but it should be legalized, distributed like alcohol, and taxed.”
  • “People shouldn't have a mark on their record forever over pot. Also there are too many positive uses for the plant and evidence of medical benefits to ignore. It's time to decriminalize it!”
  • “I support decriminalization as a first step towards legalization… We need to stop imprisoning our youth and citizens for smoking this harmless herb. It ruins lives when people are caught with a small bag. It is unacceptable.”

No: 112 citizens were opposed to the decriminalization of marijuana.   

  • “I'd like legalized, not just decriminalized. Every state around us is going to be legal except the ‘Live Free or Die’ state.”
  • “Sorry, lawmakers: the majority of the people you supposedly stand for want more than just decriminalization.  We want legalization.”
  • “Will decriminalizing allow me to grow my own herb? If not, then I vote full legalization… Stop the corruption and control.”

Other: 84 addressed their comments to related questions and issues. These included:  

  • Legislative prospects: “I don’t see NH legalizing weed. They make too much money off prosecuting.”
  • Alcohol policy: “Take the real gateway drug, booze, off the highways.”
  • Clarification: “What’s the difference between decriminalization and legalization?”

*Editor selection of actual participant quotes. 

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