By a vote of 5-0, the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire Executive Committee adopted a resolution thanking the New Hampshire Senate on passing a version of cannabis decriminalization, and asking the General Court to continue to remove all penalties related to possession and distribution of drugs. LPNH Chair, Darryl W. Perry says, “I’m glad the NH Senate finally passed something they’re calling decriminalization, it’s a good first step.” Adding, “I’m hoping the New Hampshire General Court will sooner rather than later take steps to remove all penalties, both civil and criminal, related to the possession or distribution of cannabis and all other substances.”
The resolution reads:
Whereas the War on Drugs has been an abject failure; AND
Whereas other state and national governments are working to remove the penalties for possession and distribution of cannabis; AND
Whereas the National Libertarian Party Platform states, “we favor the repeal of all laws creating ‘crimes’ without victims, such as the use of drugs for medicinal or recreational purposes.”; AND
Whereas the LPNH Platform states, “We oppose all laws and regulations that attempt to protect individuals from the consequences of their own behavior.”; AND
Whereas the LPNH Platform further states, “we advocate the repeal of all laws criminalizing… possession and sale of drugs”; AND
Whereas the LPNH Platform further states, “All those presently incarcerated or ever convicted solely for the commission of these victimless crimes should be pardoned and their records expunged.”; AND
Whereas the New Hampshire House of Representatives has voted numerous times in the past decade to remove criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of cannabis; AND
Whereas the New Hampshire Senate has previously failed to pass such a bill; AND
Whereas the New Hampshire House of Representatives passed a bill (HB640) to remove criminal penalties for possession up to a full ounce of cannabis by a vote of 318-36 on March 8; AND
Whereas the New Hampshire Senate voted to amend HB640 so the bill would remove criminal penalties for possession of three-quarters of an ounce of cannabis by a vote of 17-6 on May 11; AND
Whereas Governor Chris Sununu has indicated he will sign HB640 when it comes to his desk; AND
Whereas so-called decriminalization still allows for civil penalties;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED the LPNH Executive Committee would like to thank the New Hampshire Senate for finally taking this first step towards removing penalties for possession up to three-quarters of an ounce of cannabis; AND
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED the LPNH Executive Committee would like to encourage the House of Representatives to concur with the Senate Amendment to HB640; AND
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED the LPNH Executive Committee would like to encourage Governor Sununu to fulfill his pledge to sign HB640; AND
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED the LPNH Executive Committee would like to encourage the Governor to pardon everyone who is currently incarcerated or has ever been convicted of possession of small amounts of cannabis; AND
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED the LPNH Executive Committee would like to encourage the General Court to pass legislation removing all penalties related to possession and distribution of drugs; AND
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED the LPNH Executive Committee would like to encourage the Governor to pardon everyone who is currently incarcerated or has ever been convicted of such an offense.
