Editor’s note: This is reposted from the Marijuana Policy Project.
This year’s elections will be key to whether New Hampshire finally lives up to its “Live Free or Die” motto. In the governor’s race, legalization supporter Joyce Craig and prohibitionist candidate Kelly Ayotte are squaring off in a race ranked as a “toss up” by Cook Political Report. Meanwhile, the state Senate race has several open and competitive seats that will be crucial to if — and how — New Hampshire legalizes cannabis.
To help inform voters, the Marijuana Policy Project created this voting guide, where the site ranked candidates’ support for legalization and other further cannabis policy reforms from A+ to F. The voter guide includes information from their records, public comments, responses to Citizens Count’s survey, and replies to our candidate survey.
You can find your New Hampshire state Senate and House district — along with everything else that will be on your ballot — here. You can also find information on how and where to vote from the N.H. Secretary of State website.
Governor
Joyce Craig (D) — A— Former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig’s Issues page says she supports legalization in a way that protects medical cannabis and encourages small businesses. In response to questions from MPP, her campaign said she also supports creating a commission to review possible annulment and expungement of past cannabis charges, and that she is open to limited home cultivation as part of adult-use legalization. (“Joyce is open to limited homegrow for adult-use as part of legalization.”) — JoyceCraig.org
Kelly Ayotte (R) — F — The former U.S. senator and state AG opposes legalization. She worked to defeat medical cannabis and decriminalization. When WMUR asked Ayotte in 2024 if she would entertain legalization if she is elected governor, or if she is a firm “no,” she said, “I don’t think legalizing marijuana is the right direction for our state. I don’t support legalizing marijuana in this state.”
In 2015, then-US. Sen. Ayotte lobbied NH state senators against modest decriminalization, according to prohibitionist Sen. Bill Gannon. Ayotte also opposed a tightly-crafted medical cannabis bill in 2009.
Ayotte’s campaign failed to answer questions from MPP about whether she would veto a legalization bill, along with questions about her position on record-clearing and allowing home cultivation for patients or adult-use consumers. — KellyForNH.com
State Senate Candidates
In addition to compiling their records and public statements, the MMP asked NH Senate candidates these four questions:
1) Twenty-four states and Canada have legalized cannabis for adults 21 and older. Do you support making it legal for adults 21 and older to use, possess, and purchase cannabis in New Hampshire?
2) As part of legalization in New Hampshire, do you support prioritizing and integrating the therapeutic cannabis program, including by allowing alternative treatment centers (ATCs) to convert to also sell to adult-use consumers if they meet requirements and by allowing all adult-use stores to sell to patients tax-free if they meet requirements?
3) Criminal records make it difficult to get a job, housing, and to otherwise achieve one’s dreams. Many states are removing prior cannabis convictions from records to avoid ruining lives over a substance that is safer than alcohol. Do you support creating a state-initiated process to annul cannabis-related records?
4) All of New Hampshire’s neighboring states allow adults 21 and older to discreetly and securely cultivate their own limited supply of cannabis for personal use. Do you support allowing adults to grow their own cannabis for personal use in New Hampshire?
Every Senate seat is on the ballot. For each race, MMP listed the more supportive candidate first.
Senate District 1 — Parts of Coos and Grafton Counties — Open Seat
Rusty Talbot (D) — A- — Talbot’s campaign website expresses support for legalization and home cultivation. It includes, “It is past time to legalize cannabis in New Hampshire. While I am open to various approaches, I believe we should adopt a model that fits our state’s unique needs. My preference is for a system that encourages small businesses and entrepreneurship, supports limited home cultivation for patients, and protects medicinal marijuana programs.” Talbot has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — RustyTalbot.com
Rep. David Rochefort (R) — B — Rep. Rochefort voted in support of cannabis legalization bill HB 1633 in April 2024, but voted against removing the committee of conference version from table (killing legalization). In response to the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey, Rochefort said he supports legalization with state-run stores and with private retail locations. Regarding home cultivation, he said, “I’m undecided on home grown for safety and health reasons. I want to learn more about how the seeds and procedures for home cultivation are ensured to safety and quality.” Rochefort has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — Rochefort4NH.com
Senate District 2 — Parts of Belknap, Carroll, and Grafton Counties
Carlos Cardona (D) — A- — Cardona’s platform expresses support for legalization and wiping out past records. It includes, “All our New England neighbors already legalized it but here we are still arresting people for minor possessions in New Hampshire. If elected I will fight for its legalization but we will not stop there. We need to erase previous criminal records from individuals with minor possession charges as well. Decriminalize and regulate cannabis in New Hampshire through an efficient tax system.” Cardona has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — CardonaforNH.com
Sen. Tim Lang (R) — C — In 2024, Sen. Lang voted in favor of the Senate’s version of cannabis legalization, which included state-affiliated private franchise stores. In 2023, Sen. Lang voted against the 2023 legalization bill HB 639, which had private sales. Sen. Lang has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey.
Senate District 3 — Parts of Carroll, Coos, Grafton and Strafford Counties — Open Seat
Dr. Bill Marsh (D) — A- — Dr. Marsh responded “yes” to all four questions in MPP’s questionnaire: in support of legalizing cannabis, home cultivation, state-initiated record clearing, and integrating and prioritizing therapeutic cannabis in legalization. He offered this comment, “I support legalization provided the associated public health concerns are addressed. Thanks to my legislation about cannabis use during pregnancy, posters and pamphlets with more information are now in alternative treatment centers. With legalization, they should be everywhere cannabis is sold.” In response to the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey’s three legalization questions, Dr. Marsh said he supports cannabis legalization with state-run stores, with private retail locations, and with home cultivation and no sales. As a state rep, Marsh voted for decriminalizing 3/4 ounces of cannabis (HB 640, 2018). He voted against allowing home cultivation of medical cannabis in 2018 (HB 472). — Marsh4Senate.com
Mark McConkey (R) — D+ — McConkey told the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey he is undecided on adult-use legalization, whether it is with private sales, state-run stores, or home cultivation. He said, “I have always supported medical marijuana, and I supported the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana for personal consumption. I share in some of the concerns from the law enforcement community about public health and safety relative to legalization, and would like to learn more about the impacts legalization has had on other states.” In the 2020 Citizens Count Issue Survey, he said he was against legalization. As a state rep, McConkey voted in favor of decriminalizing 3/4 ounces of cannabis (HB 640, 2017). In 2018, he voted to kill a bill allowing therapeutic cannabis patients to grow their own cannabis (HB 472). McConkey has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey.
Senate District 4 — Barrington, Dover, Rollinsford, and Somersworth
Sen. David Watters (D) — A — Sen. Watters has been a solid supporter of cannabis policy reforms. He voted yes on legalization bills in 2023 and 2024. Watters responded “yes” to all four questions in MPP’s questionnaire: in support of legalizing cannabis, home cultivation, state-initiated record clearing, and integrating and prioritizing therapeutic cannabis in legalization. In response to three questions from the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey, Sen. Watters said, “I will support various options or a combination of various approaches so we can pass legalization.” In 2017, Sen. Watters voted in support of decriminalizing up to 3/4 ounces of cannabis (HB 640). — DavidWattersForSenate.org
Shawn Mickelonis (R) — C —Mickelonis responded “yes” to two of the questions on MPP’s questionnaire — legalization and state-initiated annulment. He was “undecided” on allowing home cultivation and integrating and prioritizing the therapeutic cannabis program. In response to the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey, Mickelonis said he opposes legalization with private retail stores, while he supports legalizing home cultivation with no sales and legalization with state-run stores..
Senate District 5 — Parts of Grafton, Merrimack, and Sullivan Counties
Sen. Suzanne Prentiss (D) — A — Sen. Prentiss has been a solid supporter of cannabis policy reforms. She voted yes on legalization bills in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In response to three legalization questions from the 2022 Citizens Count Issue Survey — on home cultivation, private stores, and state-run stores, Sen. Prentiss said, “This is a needed source of revenue. However, the state should stay out of this based on federal implications. Other New England states have managed to create systems for sale, regulation and management of revenue.” Sen. Prentiss has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — PrentissForNH.com
John McIntyre (R) — D– — In response to the 2022 Citizens Count Issue Survey’s three questions on legalization, McIntyre said, “I am in favor of decriminalization without legalization of retail. Unintended consequences are the early adoption of marijuana by the youth. American Academy of Pediatrics warns of many adverse consequences for the children in states with legalization. I do not believe that we should legalize simply to generate new revenue for the state.” McIntyre has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — JohnMcIntyreForNHSenate.com
Senate District 6 — Parts of Belknap and Sullivan Counties
John Ceskavich (D) — A — Ceskavich responded “yes” to all four questions in MPP’s questionnaire: in support of legalizing cannabis, home cultivation, state-initiated record clearing, and integrating and prioritizing therapeutic cannabis in legalization. He offered this comment, “Let’s legalize marijuana as our other New England states have done.”
Sen. James Gray (R) — D- — Sen. Gray has consistently opposed legalization. He voted against legalization in 2022 (with home cultivation and no sales), 2023 (with private sales), and 2024 (with state-affiliated “franchise” stores). In 2017, Sen. Gray voted in favor of decriminalizing up to 3/4 ounces of cannabis (HB 640) Sen. Gray has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — Gray4NHSenate.com.
Senate District 7 — Goshen, Hillsborough, Tilton, and Parts of Grafton and Merrimack Counties
Sen. Dan Innis (R) — A- —Sen. Innis responded “yes” to all four questions in MPP’s questionnaire: in support of legalizing cannabis, home cultivation, state-initiated record clearing, and integrating and prioritizing therapeutic cannabis in legalization. In 2024, Sen. Innis voted in favor of the Senate’s version of cannabis legalization, which included state-affiliated private franchise stores. In 2023, Sen. Innis voted against the 2023 legalization bill HB 639, which had private sales. Sen. Innis told the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey he is for legalization with private stores and legalization with home cultivation but no sales. He also said he is against legalization with state-run stores. In 2017, Sen. Innis voted in support of decriminalizing up to 3/4 ounces of cannabis (HB 640). — InnisForNH.com
Stu Green (D) — B+ — Green responded “yes” to all four questions in MPP’s questionnaire: in support of legalizing cannabis, home cultivation, state-initiated record clearing, and integrating and prioritizing therapeutic cannabis in legalization. He commented, “I am still undecided as to the best vehicle for sales and distribution, but currently leaning away from a state-run monopoly–I now understand that the vast majority of farmers support support legalization, and I’d be interested in assisting them get their own product to market, or directly sell it (with some inspection regime for safety). I am concerned about monied, out-of-state interests swooping in and dominating the industry. NH cultivators/store owners should be empowered and well-positioned within their own territory. There is room for discussion on this, but ultimately I want locals to prosper.” Green told the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey he is for legalization with state-run stores and legalization with home cultivation but no sales. Said he was “undecided” on legalization with private sales. Also commented, “Keeping it illegal at this point is just continued, willful rejection of the lessons we learned during prohibition in the 1920s. Let’s fully legalize and regulate it the way we do alcohol, which is arguably more damaging to society (and the individual). Cannabis is already out there, it’s a personal freedom issue, and it’s a revenue stream waiting to be tapped. We have the benefit of other state legalization experiences, and we can learn how to do this more effectively.” — StuGreenForNH.com
Senate District 8 — Dunbarton, and Parts of Cheshire, Hillsborough, and Sullivan Counties
David Trumble (D) — A- — In response to the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey, Trumble said he is for cannabis legalization with private stores, state-run stores, and with private retail locations. He commented, “Licensing and taxing would result in revenues to the State. The first allocation of funds should be to substance abuse treatment programs in NH.” Trumble has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey.
Sen. Ruth Ward (R) — F — Sen. Ward has consistently opposed legalization and even decriminalization. Sen. Ward voted against legalization in 2022 (with home cultivation and no sales), 2023 (with private sales), and 2024 (with state-affiliated “franchise” stores). In response to the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey, Sen. Ward said she is against cannabis legalization with private stores, state-run stores, and with private retail locations. In 2017, she voted against decriminalizing up to 3/4 ounces of cannabis (HB 640). Sen Ward has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — RuthWardSenate.com
Senate District 9 — Parts of Cheshire and Hillsborough Counties
Matthew McLaughlin (D) — A — McLaughlin responded “yes” to all four questions in MPP’s questionnaire: in support of legalizing cannabis, home cultivation, state-initiated record clearing, and integrating and prioritizing therapeutic cannabis in legalization. He offered this comment, “We are the Live Free or Die state, so I think we should be able to trust our adult citizens with the ability to grow a small amount of cannabis and to buy it for personal use.” — MattMcLaughlinNH.com
Sen. Denise Ricciardi (R) — D– — Sen. Ricciardi voted against legalization in 2022 (with home cultivation and no sales), 2023 (with private sales), and 2024 (with state-affiliated “franchise” stores). In response to three questions on legalization from the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey, Sen. Ricciardi did not say “for” or “against.” She commented, “I have always supported medical marijuana and decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana for personal consumption. I have serious concerns about supporting the legalization of recreational marijuana in our state. I believe that we need to look very closely at what the effects have been in other states, and work with our law enforcement community to make sure that we are taking public health and safety into account.” Sen. Ricciardi has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — DeniseRicciardi.org
Senate District 10 — Hancock, Peterborough, and Part of Cheshire County
Sen. Donovan Fenton (D) — A- — Sen. Fenton has been a solid supporter of cannabis policy reforms. He voted yes on legalization bills in 2023 (with private sales) and 2024 (with state-affiliated “franchise” stores). He has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — DonovanFenton.com
Richard Merkt (R) — D- — Merkt declined to fill out MPP’s survey, saying, “Among the issues I discuss with folks in the Monadnock region, no one — and I mean no one — lists marijuana legalization as a pressing state concern. I hear about high prices for food, gas, and home heating; I hear about troubling school performance; I hear about homelessness; I hear about crime. But, in truth, I hear nothing about legalizing pot. If I am elected and if such a bill comes before the State Senate, I would consider it and solicit input from people in my home district. But I am not about to make any commitment on the issue at this time.”
In response to the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey’s three questions on legalization — including if he supports legalization with home cultivation and no sales, Merkt said, “Decriminalization is a sound policy, but otherwise, the state should stay out of the marijuana business.”
Senate District 11 — Amherst, Merrimack, Milford, and Wilton
Sen. Shannon Chandley (D) — A — Sen. Chandley has been a solid supporter of cannabis policy reforms. She voted yes on legalization bills in 2023 (with private sales) and 2024 (with state-affiliated “franchise” stores). Sen. Chandley also proposed amendments in 2024 to improve the legalization bill. Sen. Chandley has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey.
Rep. Tim McGough (R) — D —Rep. McGough voted against cannabis legalization bill HB 1633 in 2024, and also voted against removing the committee of conference bill from the table. He told the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey he supports legalization with home grow and no sales, but opposes both state-run stores and private sales. McGough commented, “A state run monopoly is a bad idea, especially with a high tax rate. Home grow, and private use, without infringing on the rights of non-users/smokers, is the right balance, so long as the long term health costs are not born by the general public.” Rep. McGough has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — VoteMcGough.org
Senate District 12 — Rindge and Parts of Hillsborough County
Rep. Ben Ming (D) — B — Rep. Ming voted in support of legalization bill HB 1633 in April 2024, but voted against removing the committee of conference version from table (killing legalization). He also voted for legalization with private sales in 2023. Rep. Ming has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — BenMingNH.com
Sen. Kevin Avard (R) — F — Since being elected to the Senate, Sen. Avard has consistently opposed legalization. Sen. Avard voted against legalization in 2022 (with home cultivation and no sales), 2023 (with private sales), and 2024 (with state-affiliated “franchise” stores). In 2017, Sen. Avard voted in support of decriminalizing up to 3/4 ounces of cannabis (HB 640). Sen. Avard has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — SenatorAvard.com
Senate District 13 — Nashua – Wards 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9
Sen. Cindy Rosenwald (D) — A- — Sen. Rosenwald has been a solid supporter of cannabis policy reforms. She voted yes on legalization bills in 2023 (with private sales) and 2024 (with state-affiliated “franchise” stores). She cosponsored Sen. Abbas’ amendment to revise HB 1633 to include a franchise model and other changes, while also proposing amendments to improve the legalization bill. Sen. Rosenwald has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — CindyRosenwald.com
Stephen Scaer (R) — F — In response to the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey, Scaer said he opposes legalization of cannabis — be it with home cultivation, state-run stores, or private stores. He claimed, “Marijuana has the highest conversion rate to psychosis of any drug. Anyone who wants it can already obtain medical marijuana.” Scaer has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — Stephen4NH.com
Senate District 14 —Auburn, Hudson, and Londonderry
Kara Roy (D) — A — Roy responded “yes” to all four questions in MPP’s questionnaire: in support of legalizing cannabis, home cultivation, state-initiated record clearing, and integrating and prioritizing therapeutic cannabis in legalization. She commented, “Legalization of cannabis is essential to our tax structure and provides an additional stream of revenue for the state.” — KaraRoyForSenate.com
Sen. Sharon Carson (R) — F — Sen. Carson has consistently opposed legalization and even decriminalization. She voted against legalization in 2022 (with home cultivation and no sales), 2023 (with private sales), and 2024 (with state-affiliated “franchise” stores). In 2017, Sen. Carson voted against decriminalizing up to 3/4 ounces of cannabis (HB 640). Sen. Carson has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — SenCarson.com
Senate District 15 — Bow, Concord, and Hopkinton — Open Seat
Former Rep. Tara Reardon (D) — B+ — Reardon responded “yes” to three of the four questions in MPP’s questionnaire: in support of legalizing cannabis, state-initiated annulment, and allowing home cultivation. She responded “undecided” on prioritizing and integrating the therapeutic cannabis program and commented, “I am not opposed to ATC in question 2, I would want more information and discussion about the distribution model that will be created here in NH before I could give an informed response to that question.
Question 4 – I am in favor but would want to have more information about the definitions of “discreetly and securely” as well as “limited supply” before providing a final answer.” — TaraReardon.com
Pamela Ean (R) — D+ — In response to the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey, Ean said she supports legalization with home cultivation and no sales and is undecided on legalization with both state-run stores and private stores. Ean has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey.
Senate District 16 — Candia, Goffstown, Hooksett, Manchester Ward 1, and Raymond
Sen. Keith Murphy (R) — A — Sen. Murphy has been a solid supporter of cannabis policy reforms. He voted yes on legalization bills in 2023 and 2024 and cosponsored the 2023 bill. Murphy responded “yes” to all four questions in MPP’s questionnaire: in support of legalizing cannabis, home cultivation, state-initiated record clearing, and integrating and prioritizing therapeutic cannabis in legalization. Added the comment, “I have a 10 year legislative history of consistently supporting legalized cannabis, with minimal regulation and taxation.” — KeithMurphy4NH.com
Mike York (D) — Unknown — York declined to complete Citizens Count’s 2024 survey. We have been unable to find an email address, social media accounts, or website for Mike York, so we have not sent him our survey. We are not aware of any public statements he’s made on cannabis policy. If you’re in the district and encounter him on the campaign trail, ask where he stands.
Senate District 17 — Barnstead and Parts of Merrimack and Rockingham Counties
Kelly Roberts (D) — A — Roberts responded “yes” to all four questions in MPP’s questionnaire: in support of legalizing cannabis, home cultivation, state-initiated record clearing, and integrating and prioritizing therapeutic cannabis in legalization. — RobertsForNHSenate.com
Sen. Howard Pearl (R) — C+ —In 2024, Sen. Pearl voted in favor of the Senate’s version of cannabis legalization, which included state-affiliated private franchise stores. He also sponsored an amendment to ensure some cultivation licenses went to in-state farmers. In 2023, Sen. Pearl voted against the 2023 legalization bill HB 639, which had private sales. Pearl has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — PearlForSenate.com
Senate District 18 — Derry, Hampstead, and Windham
Sen. Donna Soucy (D) — A– — Sen. Soucy evolved on cannabis legalization in 2023, and has been a solid supporter since then. She voted yes on legalization bills in 2023 and 2024, after having voted “no” in 2022. In 2017, Sen. Soucey voted in support of decriminalizing up to 3/4 ounces of cannabis (HB 640). Soucey has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — SoucyForSenate.com
Victoria Sullivan (R) — C- —Sullivan replied “undecided” on MPP’s legalization question, and “yes” on the other three questions— home cultivation, state-initiated record clearing, and integrating and prioritizing therapeutic cannabis in legalization. She added this comment, “Adults should be able to grow and use Cannabis. My concern lies in the state control and taxing of the products.” In response to the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey, Sullivan said she supports legalization with home cultivation and no sales and is undecided on legalization with private stores. She opposes state-run stores. — VictoriaSullivan4NH.com
Senate District 19 — Derry, Hampstead, and Windham
Michelle Moge (D) — A — Moge responded “yes” to all four questions in MPP’s questionnaire: in support of legalizing cannabis, home cultivation, state-initiated record clearing, and integrating and prioritizing therapeutic cannabis in legalization. She commented, “It is my dream to fully legalize cannabis in New Hampshire, in a way that is fair and equitable and helps change the anti-cannabis culture we’ve lived with for too long.”
Sen. Regina Birdsell (R) — D- — Sen. Birdsell has consistently opposed legalization. She voted against legalization in 2022 (with home cultivation and no sales), 2023 (with private sales), and 2024 (with state-affiliated franchise stores). In 2017, Sen. Birdsell voted in support of decriminalizing up to 3/4 ounces of cannabis (HB 640). She has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — ReginaForNH.com
Senate District 20 — Manchester Wards 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, and 12 — Open Seat
Rep. Pat Long (D) — B+ — Long responded “yes” to all four questions in MPP’s questionnaire: in support of legalizing cannabis, home cultivation, state-initiated record clearing, and integrating and prioritizing therapeutic cannabis in legalization. He commented, “My support would include funding for Youth Education.”
Rep. Long did not vote on legalization bill HB 1633 on April 11, 2024. He voted in favor of removing legalization bill HB 1633 from the table to give it a debate on June 13, 2024. He voted against legalization in prior years, such as HB 1598 in 2022 and HB 481 in 2019. Rep. Long voted in favor of medical cannabis home cultivation (HB 1231) on March 14, 2024.
Brittany Ping (R) — B- — In response to the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey, Ping replied “undecided” on all three questions — cannabis legalization with state-run stores, legalization with private retail locations, and home cultivation with no sales. However, she said “I am in support of legal cannabis in NH. I would like to see the existing therapeutic centers in NH play a larger part of the conversation than they did in this last legislative session. I would have supported the most recent legislation that failed in the house.” She has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey.
Senate District 21 — Parts of Rockingham and Strafford Counties
Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D) — A- —Sen. Perkins Kwoka has been a solid supporter of cannabis policy reforms. She voted yes on legalization bills in 2023 (with private sales), and 2024 (with state-affiliated franchise stores). She has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — VoteRebeccaNH.com
Don Cardinale (R) — Unknown — Cardinale declined to complete the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey. We have been unable to find an email address, social media accounts, or website for Cardinale, so we have not sent him our survey. We are not aware of any public statements he’s made on cannabis policy. If you’re in the district and encounter him on the campaign trail, ask where he stands.
Senate District 22 — Atkinson, Pelham, Plaistow, and Salem
Wayne Haubner (D) — A — Habuner responded “yes” to all four questions in MPP’s questionnaire: in support of legalizing cannabis, home cultivation, state-initiated record clearing, and integrating and prioritizing therapeutic cannabis in legalization. He offered this comment, “I support legalizing cannabis for adults 21 and older in New Hampshire, as well as the annulment of cannabis-related criminal records to help individuals move forward in their lives. This would align New Hampshire’s laws with both the attitudes of our community and the regulations of neighboring states.” — WayneHaubner.com
Sen. Daryl Abbas (R) — C- — Sen. Abbas chaired the 2023 study commission on legalization and played a key role in shaping the Senate version of the 2024 legalization bill, HB 1633, which he voted for. While Sen. Abbas was open to some amendments that improved the bill from his original language, he rejected others. He opposed removing jail time for subsequent offenses of smoking in public, and opposed integrating and prioritizing the therapeutic cannabis program. He only supported the bill if it had a franchise or state-run stores model, which Gov. Sununnu also insisted on. Sen. Abbas voted against a solid legalization bill with private stores in 2023. As a state representative, he proposed legalization with state-run stores. — AbbasForNH.com
Senate District 23 — Parts of Rockingham County
Brenda Oldak (D) — B+ — In response to the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey, Oldak said she is for cannabis legalization with state-run stores and with private retail locations. She said she is undecided on home cultivation. In response to the legalization questions, she added, “I am for the legalization of cannabis with the safety and taxation guidelines.” Oldak has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — OldakNH.com
Sen. Bill Gannon (R) — F- — Sen. Gannon is an ardent prohibitionist, who has opposed even decriminalization. He voted against every legalization bill he’s voted on, including HB 1633 in 2024. In 2024, Sen. Gannon proposed three anti-cannabis bills — a draconian open container bill (SB 426, which was revised to be less harsh and passed), SB 418 (the original version would have capped THC in therapeutic cannabis at 16%), and SB 419 (the original version would have set an unscientific DUI threshold that ensnares sober drivers). In 2017, Sen. Gannon voted against allowing medical cannabis for chronic pain (HB 157) and against decriminalization (HB 640). When the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey asked if he supports legalizing cannabis for adults he replied, “NH currently has decriminalized possession of small amounts and has legalized medical use. I have served on the two marijuana commissions in the last decade. Recreational pot will send the signal pot is no big deal. Wide spread use will be bad for NH, bad for families, bad for students and bad for society. It has terrible effects on brain development.” Gannon has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — WilliamGannon.net
Senate District 24 — Parts of Rockingham County
Sen. Debra Altschiller (D) — A- —Sen. Altschiller has been a solid supporter of cannabis policy reforms. She voted yes on legalization bills in 2023 (with private sales), and 2024 (with state-affiliated franchise stores). She has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — DebraAltschiller.org
Former Rep. Patrick Abrami (R) — F — Abrami repeatedly voted against legalization as a state representative, most recently in 2019. In 2017-2018, he served as chair of the marijuana study commission. He declined to complete the 2024 Citizens Count Issue Survey and has not responded to MPP’s candidate survey. — PatAbramiForNH.com
