Over the past two months, lawmakers across the United States have introduced and passed several significant cannabis reform bills. These measures address long-standing issues such as medical home cultivation, expungement of past convictions, adult-use legalization, and the integration of commercial hemp cannabinoids into state-licensed dispensaries.
Here’s a look at some of the most important legislative developments from the past 60 days:
New Hampshire: Major Progress on Multiple Cannabis Fronts
The New Hampshire House of Representatives has passed several bills aimed at reshaping the state’s cannabis laws:
- Medical Home Cultivation: Patients and caregivers would be permitted to grow a limited number of cannabis plants for personal therapeutic use. This change would increase accessibility and reduce reliance on dispensaries.
- Annulment of Past Convictions: A bill was passed to expand the annulment process for individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession—part of a larger push toward criminal justice reform.
- Adult-Use Legalization (Non-Commercial): The House approved a bill that legalizes possession and consumption of cannabis for adults 21 and older. However, the bill does not include provisions for a commercial retail market.
All three bills are now under review in the New Hampshire Senate.
Source: Marijuana Moment
Ohio: Clarifying Legal Use and Regulating Hemp Products
In Ohio, Representative Brian Stewart introduced House Bill 160, which seeks to:
- Preserve voter-approved adult-use marijuana provisions.
- Establish clearer protections for minors.
- Address concerns surrounding the sale of intoxicating hemp-derived products.
Meanwhile, Senate Bill 86 aims to limit the sale of intoxicating hemp products (like Delta-8 THC) to state-licensed marijuana dispensaries. The bill has sparked pushback from CBD store owners who say it could hurt small businesses.
Sources:
Read More Ohio News: Ohio’s 10% Excise Tax on Non-Medical Cannabis: Implications and Revenue Impact
Connecticut: Supporting Hemp Farmers with Cannabis Access
Connecticut’s General Law Committee recently passed a bill allowing licensed hemp farmers to:
- Grow high-THC cannabis.
- Sell cannabis directly to consumers through on-site salesrooms, similar to a craft brewery model.
The legislation aims to boost struggling local farmers and offer smaller cannabis cultivators a path to retail access in a market often dominated by larger operations.
Source: CT Insider
Looking Ahead: A Turning Point in U.S. Cannabis Reform?
These recent legislative moves represent more than just incremental changes—they reflect a nationwide shift in cannabis policy, where patient rights, criminal justice reform, economic inclusion, and product safety are all being addressed.
As these bills advance through various legislative chambers, their potential impact on local economies, public health, and the broader cannabis industry could be substantial.
Stay tuned—2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for cannabis reform across the United States.