Reminder: Senate hearing tomorrow on N.H. bill to reduce marijuana possession penalties

Tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear testimony on HB 1623. This bill will eliminate the possibility of jail time for possessing less than one-quarter ounce of marijuana, reducing the penalty to a maximum fine of $200. Currently, possessing one-quarter ounce of marijuana can be punished by one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Supporters of the bill will gather in front of the Statehouse tomorrow at 2:45 p.m. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. in Room 103. We can make a big impact on the committee if we can pack the hearing with concerned citizens wearing "Reduce Penalties" stickers. If you're able to attend tomorrow, please R.S.V.P. to Matt Simon of New Hampshire Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy, an MPP grantee, by e-mailing info@nhcommonsense.org.

Last month, the House of Representatives voted 193-141 to pass this sensible legislation. Since then, a new statewide poll by Mason-Dixon Research showed that, by a resounding 53%-34% margin, New Hampshire voters support "a change in the law to provide for a $100 fine without jail time for those who possess an ounce or less of marijuana for personal use."

Please take a moment now to contact your state senator and the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and urge them to listen to the majority of New Hampshire voters. Our site will automatically send your letter to all five members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, as well as your state senator. You just have to enter your zip code.

Please help end one of the most outdated and cruel marijuana possession laws in the country by taking action now. And help spread the word about the Senate hearing on April 22 by passing this message on to your friends, family, and e-mail lists. We need as many people as possible attending the hearing tomorrow and contacting their senators in support of this bill.