Should New Hampshire decriminalize marijuana?

Despite repeated attempts in recent years, the Legislature has been unable to pass legislation that would allow adults to purchase and use small amounts of marijuana.

The latest effort - HB 1526 - narrowly passed the House (162-161) on Mar. 8, 2012.

Under the bill, any person 18 years of age or older who is in possession of less than one ounce of marijuana shall be guilty of a violation and subject to a fine not to exceed $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana.

The state's Attorney General office is opposed to the bill. Gov. Lynch has promised to veto the bill.

Under the current law, marijuana possession is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail, and a $2,000 fine.

HB 1526 now heads to the Senate, where a similar measure (HB 1653) failed in 2011.

The House rejected two other bills:

HB 1705 - "an act allowing purchase and use of marijuana by adults, regulating the purchase and use of marijuana, and imposing taxes on the wholesale and retail sale of marijuana." (Killed in the House in March 2012.)

HB 1527 - exempts cultivation of marijuana from manufacturing under the controlled drug act. (Killed in the House in March 2012.) 

Fourteen states, including Massachusetts, have decriminalization laws, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.