Cannabis Legalization and Regulation in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has not legalized adult-use cannabis. Recreational possession, sale, and cultivation remain illegal statewide. However, possession of up to three-quarters of an ounce is decriminalized, treated as a civil violation with a fine rather than a criminal offense. Multiple attempts to legalize recreational cannabis through the legislature have been introduced, but as of 2025 no adult-use program is in place.
Medical cannabis was legalized in 2013 under the Therapeutic Cannabis Program. Registered patients with qualifying conditions—such as cancer, epilepsy, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, chronic pain, and PTSD—may obtain a physician’s certification and purchase products from state-licensed Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs). Patients may possess up to 2 ounces of usable cannabis at a time. Approved forms include flower, capsules, tinctures, concentrates, and topicals. Home cultivation is not permitted for patients.
The Therapeutic Cannabis Program is overseen by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. The program licenses and regulates ATCs, testing, and patient registration. Dispensaries are limited in number but operate across the state to provide access for patients.
Hemp and hemp-derived CBD products are legal in New Hampshire if they contain no more than 0.3% THC. Intoxicating hemp cannabinoids, such as delta-8 THC, face restrictions and are subject to enforcement when marketed for human consumption. Products must meet testing, packaging, and labeling standards.
For cannabis operators, New Hampshire offers only a tightly regulated medical cannabis market. Banks and financial service providers require licensing documentation, tax IDs, ownership records, operating agreements, and financial statements. Because sales are primarily cash-based, operators must maintain secure armored transport, reconciled deposits, AML/BSA monitoring, and audit-ready accounting. Excise tax compliance and proper reporting are essential to maintaining stable banking relationships.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services oversees the medical program. For official program details, licensing resources, and compliance updates, visit:
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/therapeutic-cannabis-program
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