LEAVE N.H. LAW ON MARIJUANA IN PLACE
(Source:Citizen)
Regional News
US NH: Bill Would Allow Marijuana Sales
US NH: Officer Testifies In Favor Of Pot Decriminalization
US NH: Lawmakers Aiming To Legalize Pot
US NH: The Power Behind The Pot
20 Jan 2007
New Hampshire
-------
The heat seems to have left the debate over use and sale of marijuana in New Hampshire, but we're not ready to accept that laws against its use are too harsh.
Lawmakers and law enforcement officials are debating marijuana again this session of the Legislature. While we don't seem to be hearing the passionate pleas of past debates, we still feel there is cause to be on the side of caution.
Advocates like Weed and critics in the state's Justice Department remain at odds.
One of the bill's sponsor, Rep. Charles Weed, a Keene Democrat, told some of his colleagues Wednesday legalizing marijuana would give police more resources to combat violent crime.
Simon Brown, head of the attorney general's criminal justice bureau, counters Weed's position, saying police resources would be stretched, not relieved by legalization. Brown citied research suggesting the drug leads to impaired driving and can even lead to violence.
Co-sponsors of the bill to end the bar on marijuana use and sale are Reps. Steve Vaillancourt of Manchester and Paul Ingbretson of Pike, both Republicans.
Similar proposals have failed before. Opposition from the attorney general's office and state health officials and groups representing police and county sheriff's has been consistent.
One advocate of repeal was heard to testify Wednesday, marijuana, rather than contributing to violence slows down users. Slows people down? Affecting reaction time? Creating additional driving impaired drivers?
State Police Major David Kelly was forceful in representing his agency's view of the campaign to repeal laws banning the use and sale of marijuana. "Decriminalization will come at the expense of society, of public safety, of children and of you," he told committee members.
For now at least, evidence seems to be on the side of the status quo.
There is no substantive reason to tinker with the law against the sale and use of marijuana and we trust the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee will find the bill "inexpedient to legislate."