New Hampshire Marijuana Laws
Updated on Thursday January 6, 2022
Medical Marijuana became legal in New Hampshire in 2013 through the signing of HB573, with dispensaries (in the form of “Alternative Treatment Centers”) opening in 2016.
Adult-use cannabis is illegal in the state, however possession of small amounts has been decriminalized, and carries a fine of $100 for possessing less than three-quarters of an ounce. Greater amounts or repeat offenses are subject to higher penalties.
Possession
Medical marijuana patients in New Hampshire may possess up to 2 ounces of usable cannabis.
Purchasing Limits
Medical marijuana patients may purchase up to 2 ounces of usable cannabis during any 10-day period. Where to Buy
Qualifying Patients
According to the state, qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in New Hampshire include:
Qualifying Medical Marijuana Conditions:
- Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
- Alzheimer's disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Autism Spectral Disorder
- Cancer
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Crohn's disease
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Lupus
- Moderate to severe chronic pain
- Moderate to severe insomnia
- Moderate or severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Parkinson's disease
- Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus
- Severe pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures or for which other treatment options produced serious side effects
- Spinal cord injury or disease
- Traumatic brain injury
- Ulcerative colitis
Additionally, the state allows a severely debilitating or terminal medical condition or its treatment that has produced at least one of the following:
Additional Conditions:
- Agitation of Alzheimer's disease
- Cachexia
- Chemotherapy-induced anorexia
- Constant or severe nausea
- Elevated intraocular pressure
- Moderate to severe vomiting
- Seizures
- Severe pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures or for which other treatment options produced serious side effects
- Severe, persistent muscle spasms
- Wasting syndrome
Consumption
Medical marijuana in New Hampshire is allowed in a variety of preparations, including dried flower, concentrates, capsules, tinctures, edibles (including baked goods and candied preparations), sprays, lotions, and other transdermal preparations.
Medical cannabis consumption is only permitted in private residences at this time. Consumption is not allowed in public, including a public bus or other public vehicle, or any public park, public beach, or public field.
Driving Under the Influence
The regulations for cannabis in New Hampshire states that medical marijuana patients in the state are not exempt from arrest or prosecution for being under the influence of cannabis while, “operating a motor vehicle, commercial vehicle, boat, vessel, or any other vehicle propelled or drawn by power other than muscular power.”
Caregiver
Registered patients are allowed to assign a caregiver, who must also be registered with the state’s medical marijuana program. A caregiver may only serve as a caregiver for one patient at a time.
Transporting Marijuana
Patients can transport up to their allowable limit of 2 ounces, along with documentation of their patient status and cannabis products.
Reciprocity
New Hampshire extends reciprocity to out-of-state card holders, officially called a “visiting qualified patient.” House Bill 605, passed August 16, 2021, allows visiting qualified patients to purchase cannabis at a New Hampshire dispensary (alternative treatment center) up to 3 times in a 12-month period. Visiting patients may purchase more if they provide a statement from their recommending physician.
Cultivation
Medical cannabis patients are currently not allowed to grow their own cannabis. This applies visiting to out-of-state medical patients as well.
Delivery
Cannabis delivery is not permitted in New Hampshire.