The Senate judiciary commitee of New Hampshire has voted against a bill that would decriminalize possession of up to one-quarter of an ounce of the drug. That represents the end of the marijuana decriminalization efforts in that state, for now. It also demonstrates that public opinion (about 60% of NH residents support decriminalization) is not necessarily enough to move stodgy old lawmakers out of touch with reality.
New Hampshire, whose official motto is “Live free or Die”, is one of the most libertarian states in the US. It has no sales tax, no state tax and no public schooling mandates. It is also the only American state without mandatory seat belt and helmet laws. For all these reasons, it is the state chosen by the Free State Project as the destination for all liberty-loving people.
However, as the marijuana episode reminds us, NH still has a long way to go.
Muse Free 