Regulatory Framework
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) oversees the medical cannabis program through its Therapeutic Cannabis Program (TCP). There is no specific regulatory body for recreational cannabis due to its illegal status, but DHHS manages all aspects related to medical cannabis [2].
Legal Status
| Market | Status | Act/Law | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult-Use | Illegal (Decriminalized) | Decriminalization, no specific statute [1] | N/A |
| Medical | Legal | RSA 126-X (2013) [12] | 2013 |
| Homegrow | Legal (Medical Only) | RSA 126-X (2013) [12] | 2013 |
There is no legal framework for commercialized adult-use cannabis. Decriminalization measures are in place for small amounts. [12]
Track-and-Trace
TCP uses BioTrack to manage the medical cannabis traceability program. [5]
Licensing
| License Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Cultivator License | Permits cultivation and processing of cannabis for ATCs [13]. |
| Testing Lab License | Allows testing of cannabis for safety and potency [13]. |
| Retail License (ATC) | Permits sale of medical cannabis to registered patients and caregivers [13]. |
The state issues specific licenses related to medical cannabis, including cultivator, testing, and retail licenses, all governed by DHHS regulations [13].
Possession Limits
| Item | Possession Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Cannabis (Flower) | Up to 21 grams [1] |
| Cannabis Flower | Decriminalized for amounts under 21 grams [1] |
Possession limits are strictly enforced, with specific allowances for medical cannabis and penalties for exceeding limits on recreational cannabis [1].
Medical Cannabis
Qualifying conditions for medical cannabis include: [14]
- chronic pain,
- cancer,
- multiple sclerosis,
- and other severe conditions
Registered Patient Requirements
Patients must be certified by a licensed healthcare provider, prove New Hampshire residency, and register with the TCP to obtain medical cannabis [15].
Registered Caregiver Requirements
Caregivers must be 21 years or older, undergo a background check, and register with the TCP to assist qualified patients [16].
Additional Resources
- Wikipedia: Cannabis in New Hampshire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_in_New_Hampshire
- New Hampshire Secretary of State https://www.sos.nh.gov/
- New Homeshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, & Food https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/
- New Homeshire Department Revenue Administration https://www.revenue.nh.gov/
- "Events Calendar for Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board." New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/news-events/events-calendar?startdate=1964-06-01&category=Therapeutic%20Cannabis%20Medical%20Oversight%20Board
References
- [1] "Decriminalized but Not Legal: Recreational Cannabis in New Hampshire." Accessed June 1, 2024. https://www.visit-newhampshire.com/state/marijuana-in-new-hampshire
- [2] "Therapeutic Cannabis Program Overview." New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed June 1, 2024. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/population-health/therapeutic-cannabis
- [4] "Regulatory Framework for Medical Cannabis." New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed June 1, 2024. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov
- [5] "New Hampshire Contracts Helix TCS Company for Statewide Tracking System." Cannabis Business Times. Accessed June 1, 2024. https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/new-hampshire-contracts-biotrack-thc-tracking-system/
- [7] "Taxation and Licensing in Medical Cannabis." New Hampshire Department of Revenue. Accessed June 1, 2024. https://www.revenue.nh.gov/quick-guides/documents/hb_481.pdf
- [8] "Hemp Program." New Hampshire Cannabis. Accessed June 1, 2024. https://newhampshirecannabis.org/hemp
- [10] "New Hampshire Marijuana Laws." Indica Online. Accessed June 1, 2024. https://indicaonline.com/blog/new-hampshire-marijuana-laws/
- [11] "How to Apply for Cannabis Licenses in New Hampshire." Cannabis Industry Lawyer. Accessed June 1, 2024. https://www.cannabisindustrylawyer.com/new-hampshire-cannabis-license-applications-how-to-apply/
- [12] "Therapeutic Cannabis Program Legal Framework." New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed June 1, 2024. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/population-health/therapeutic-cannabis
- [13] "Types of Cannabis Licenses Available in New Hampshire." My Cannabis. Accessed June 1, 2024. https://www.mycannabis.com/what-are-the-cannabis-licensing-requirements-in-new-hampshire/
- [14] "Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis." My Cannabis. Accessed June 1, 2024. https://www.mycannabis.com/what-are-the-cannabis-licensing-requirements-in-new-hampshire/
- [15] "Patient Application for the Therapeutic Cannabis Program." New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed June 1, 2024. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt476/files/documents/2021-11/tcp-applicationpatient.pdf
- [16] "Caregiver Application Requirements." New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed June 1, 2024. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt476/files/documents/2021-11/tcp-applicationcaregiver.pdf