N.H. medical marijuana bill introduced: contact your legislators

Seriously ill Granite Staters are one step closer to being able to use medical marijuana without fearing arrest: Rep. Evalyn Merrick (D-Lancaster) has introduced HB 648, compassionate legislation that would protect patients and their caregivers from being arrested, prosecuted, and convicted for possessing and growing limited amounts of medical marijuana.

In 2007, the New Hampshire House of Representatives defeated a bill that would have legalized medical marijuana in the state by an incredibly close 186-177 vote. Just nine votes out of 400 members prevented this bill from passing. The legislation can pass this year, but legislators need to hear that their constituents care about this issue: Please urge your legislators to support HB 648. Then, ask your friends and family to do the same.

This effort will also need committed volunteers: Please email me at Zane@mpp.org if you can pitch in to make New Hampshire the 14th state to allow medical marijuana. You could help arrange a screening of the documentary Waiting to Inhale, write handwritten letters, or help distribute yard signs to show legislators that voters care.

You won't be alone: The New Hampshire Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy, an MPP grantee, has launched a new campaign in support of HB 648. Take a look at the campaign's web site, NHCompassion.org, to read and watch the stories of seriously ill patients who could benefit from medical marijuana.

A 2008 Mason-Dixon poll showed that 71% of New Hampshire voters support allowing seriously and terminally ill patients to use and grow medical marijuana for personal use if their doctors recommend it. A majority of Democrats, Republicans, and independents support this policy as well. With overwhelming public support like this, there is no excuse for New Hampshire legislators not to pass medical marijuana legislation. But your legislators need to hear from you.

With your help, we can make New Hampshire the next state to stop the cruel policy of arresting and prosecuting sick and dying patients who use marijuana to relieve their suffering. Please take action now.

Thank you for supporting MPP and our allies. Please pass this alert on to your friends, family, and e-mail lists in New Hampshire.