Principles for Cannabis Policy and Regulation

Cannabis liberalization has become a hot topic across the country, and almost every state has taken steps to decriminalize, legalize, or commercialize. Here in New Hampshire, cannabis has been decriminalized, meaning that those found in possession of small amounts of cannabis receive a fine instead of criminal charges and incarceration. Additionally, New Hampshire allows for the therapeutic use of cannabis (medical cannabis).

If New Hampshire moves in the direction of legalizing recreational cannabis through a commercial model, it is imperative to get the policy right from the start. Optimal cannabis commercialization policy for our state must utilize the best available scientific evidence to reduce public harm, limit youth and problematic use, and purposefully advance social justice and equity in the state.