In a cowardly move, N.H. Senate tables medical marijuana legislation

Published: May 13, 2011

After all of this year’s positive news, it is with a heavy heart that I report that the Senate decided to table H.B. 442 instead of voting on it. This means the bill is likely dead for the year, as it would require a two-thirds majority to revive the bill. The Senate’s action follows a heartless veto threat by Gov. John Lynch (D), who also vetoed similar legislation in 2009. It is not clear why Gov. Lynch continues to make this unpopular decision to keep criminalizing New Hampshire’s patients. 

Because of your calls, emails, and legislative meetings, the amazing leadership of Reps. Evalyn Merrick and Phil Greazzo, Kirk McNeil, Matt Simon, and NH Compassion, and the efforts of MPP staff and lobbyists throughout the years, New Hampshire has come to the brink of passing medical marijuana legislation. In 2009, both chambers passed legislation, and the legislature came two votes shy of overriding Gov. Lynch’s veto. This year, despite a very different legislature with a Republican supermajority, H.B. 442 made it through the House overwhelmingly and was approved by a Senate committee.

Do not be discouraged — we have made amazing progress and we’ll keep on fighting. Thank you all for your support.