New Hampshire lawmakers are once again pushing for cannabis legalization, with a new bill, HB 186, recently clearing its first hurdle. The House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee voted 10-7 to advance the proposal, signaling continued momentum for reform in the state. However, despite strong public support and legislative efforts, the bill faces a challenging path forward due to staunch opposition from the governor’s office.

What is HB 186?

HB 186, sponsored by Representative Jared Sullivan (D), is a bill that seeks to establish a legal framework for the recreational use, cultivation, and sale of cannabis for adults aged 21 and older. If passed, the bill would bring significant changes to New Hampshire’s current cannabis laws.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Legalization for Adults: Individuals 21 and over would be legally permitted to possess and use cannabis within established limits.
  
  
• Home Cultivation: The bill would allow for the personal cultivation of cannabis plants, a feature that many previous legalization efforts lacked.
  
  
• State-Regulated Market: A cannabis commission and advisory board will oversee and regulate cannabis businesses, including licensing cultivation facilities and retail stores.
  
  
• Local Control: Municipalities would have the power to decide whether to permit cannabis retail stores within their jurisdictions through a local voter ballot initiative.
  
  
• Taxation and Revenue: Cannabis sales would be taxed under the existing Meals and Rooms Tax, which would be renamed the “Meals, Rooms, and Cannabis Tax.” Proponents estimate this could generate tens of million in annual tax revenue for the state.
  
  
• Criminal Justice Reform: The bill includes provisions to annul past arrests and convictions for cannabis offenses that the new law would legalize.

Unlike some previous proposals that favored a state-run monopoly, HB 186 aims for a more open market. Representative Sullivan noted that the bill would allow prospective business owners to open a cannabis establishment “without having to worry about a cap on licenses,” a contentious point in the 2024 debates.

A Step Forward in the House

On October 28, 2025, the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee voted to advance HB 186, sending it to the full House for a potential vote early next year. This is a positive development for legalization advocates, as it shows there is still an appetite within the legislature to address the issue.

Representative Sullivan talked the importance of continuing the conversation, stating, “This is an issue that most people in New Hampshire support, and if we don’t keep talking about it, the people of New Hampshire are never going to get what they want.”

Public opinion polls consistently back this claim. A poll cited by Sullivan found that 70% of New Hampshire residents, including 55% of Republicans, support cannabis legalization. By moving the bill forward, the committee is aligning itself with the clear will of the majority of its constituents.

The Governor’s Strong Opposition

Despite progress in the House, the path to legalization is blocked by a significant obstacle: Governor Kelly Ayotte. The governor has repeatedly expressed her firm opposition to adult-use cannabis legalization, creating a political standoff that seems unlikely to resolve soon.

Governor Ayotte has cited concerns about public health and safety, including potential impacts on youth mental health and road safety, as her primary reasons for opposing the measure. Even if the federal government were to reschedule cannabis, she has indicated her position on state-level legalization would not change.

This firm stance has led some lawmakers to feel the debate is futile. “The discussion is over,” said Representative John Potucek (R). “The Senate said no. The governor says no.” Even some who voted for the bill in committee are realistic about its chances. Representative John Hunt (R) admitted, “I supported the bill, but I have no illusions that this is ever going to become law” under the current administration.

New Hampshire’s status as a “prohibition island,” surrounded by states with legal cannabis markets (Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont), creates a unique set of problems. Residents simply cross state lines to purchase cannabis legally, resulting in a loss of potential tax revenue for New Hampshire and creating challenges for law enforcement.

Critics of the governor’s stance argue that it ignores the economic benefits seen in neighboring states, such as job creation and new tax streams.

What Happens Next For Cannabis Legalization in New Hampshire?

HB 186 is currently marked as “Retained in Committee,” with further work sessions and an executive session scheduled. If it successfully passes a full House vote early next year, it will move to the state Senate, where it has historically faced defeat. Should it miraculously pass both chambers, it would land on Governor Ayotte’s desk, where a veto is all but certain.

The continued push for legalization, exemplified by HB 186, highlights a growing disconnect between public opinion, legislative action, and executive opposition.

Lawmakers have also filed numerous other reform bills for the upcoming session, including one to allow medical dispensaries to become for-profit businesses, signaling that the fight for cannabis reform is far from over.

The journey of HB 186 is a clear illustration of the complex political landscape surrounding cannabis legalization in New Hampshire. While the bill’s advancement from committee is a victory for advocates and reflects overwhelming public support, the governor’s unwavering opposition remains the biggest barrier.

For now, New Hampshire remains out of step with its neighbors and a majority of its own citizens. As long as the current administration holds firm, cannabis supporters may be in for a long wait.

The fate of legalization in the “Live Free or Die” state will ultimately depend on whether political leadership decides to catch up with the will of the people.