For the third year in a row, the New Hampshire House is taking action to reduce the penalties for possession of marijuana. The Criminal Justice Committee voted overwhelmingly to pass House Bill 1653 which would effectively decriminalize possession of ¼ ounce of marijuana. Anyone caught with that amount would be guilty of a violation and face a fine of $200.
Our panel of guests includes Rick Van Wickler, Superintendant of Cheshire County Dept. of Corrections; Chief Richard Crate, Enfield Police Chief and head of the Drug Enforcement Committee of the NH Chiefs of Police; Assistant Attorney-General Karin Eckel, and Matt Simon, Executive director of the NH coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy.

Viewer Comments

Go Rick!! the only one to bring hard facts to the table. It was embarrassing just listening to richard crate fumble around the issue
Alex , Keene

The police officer here is completely close minded, he refuses to even consider any argument towards decriminalization. He says if we do this it will make it more readily available? That is nonsense, I'm pretty certain that any person who wanted to find marijuana could, but people still choose not to use. Decriminalization will NOT increase the marijuana "problem" , the marijuana is here and here to stay, let adults use marijuana responsibly and let people found with marijuana continue to live normal lives!
Anthony , Laconia

Thank you for airing this issue. Isn't it an ironic coincidence that the State Rep. speaking at the 36 second mark is named Butynski? As in Butt - in - ski. People that wish to butt into others lives are the problem, not peaceful adults attempting to own their own bodies. Want more irony? , Alcohol a drug far more dangerous than Cannabis is sold under a monopoy by the State of New Hampshire. Blatant hypocrisy. Sad. A free society does not arrest and incarcerate harmless people for owning themselves. Prohibition is not the answer. It's time to leave peaceful people alone, a victimless crime is not a crime at all. The real crime is the years long propaganda campaign of law enforcement. It's refreshing to see the Leap representative take a courageous stand. More cops with moral principle should dare to tell the truth. The real issue here is not Marijuana, it's freedom. Wake up, it could be your ox gored tomorrow.
Bob Constantine , Grafton

I couldn't disagree more with Richard Crate. In fact, why is he even there? It's not a police officer's job to give their opinion as to why they arrest or not, their job is to enforce the law. But he showed very little intelligence anyways. I wish Matt Simon did not get cut off by Richard that much because he would have verbally thrashed him. It'll be an interesting near future as we pay attention to HB1653 and HB1652.
Anonymous , Bedford

I agree with L.E.A.P., NH common sense, and Matt Simon. In these hard economic times do we need to fund mexican drug wars? Our country is paying for it on both ends and its wrong. There are so many checks in the positive column, pick the argument. Lawmakers need to be heard and listened to, because they listen to people. Our Governor time and time again supports the AG and chief of police of NH, and not the citizens of NH, or the law makers of NH. I think this bill should pass (but it will not), i think this bill does not go far enuf, and i also think Richard Crate watched too many episodes of OZ and Lockdown.
Patrick , Berlin

The police officer in the round table is taking this to personally, he is blinded by his passion. People will always find a way around prohibition, the time has come to try something different.
Jason , Nashua

I was raised in the 60's and 70's and before I was introduced to marijuana in the early 70's I experienced first hand what alcohol abuse was about in my own family, for me it was the alcohol abuse in my family that led to my trying of marijuana. I still went on to earn a college degree later in life. My problems in life have been more connected to my families alcohol. A drug is a drug is a drug. To officer Crate, I do not agree that decrimalizing small amounts will in any way send a wrong message to kids. I am sure there are more kids with access to prescription drugs than marijuana. Drug abuse protection needs to take place within the family, first and foremost.
kathy , rochester

I have used both marijuana and alcohol and I believe that alcohol effects your system more the marijuana. I believe if used in small amounts should be legalized.
Sam , Dover

I disagree with the police officer that was on tv at 6:00pm Monday. My daughter was 16 when she had her FIRST encounter with pot. It was NOT her idea but was another girls idea that was 15.5 yrs old. Because my daughter was a half year older it was SOCKED TO HER. I am a teacher, mortified at the criminal procedure we had to go through ....dragged through court...it was belittling for my daughter when soon after DROPPED OUT OF SCHOOL...She is a bright talented girl that had the possibility of a scholorship in a sport but all was lost. Not only that ... but she even lost a license that she NEVER HAD in the first place .... and had to pay a fine..... She had to meet with a drug officer to test her every week.... the only thing it did was make her feel totally worthless.......It's really messed up her life.... I'm so happy it will not be such a hassel for other people who may have the same experience.
Darlene , Bow

I am a non-smoker, however, i believe that marijuana should be legalized. Our jails are littered with minor offenders and it's time someone took a stand. What i don't understand is why if you decriminalize possession of 1/4oz of marijuana, why would you impose a $200 fine for possessing it?! Makes no sense. Thank you.
Stephanie , Conway

I really appreciated your close look at marijuana laws. It was a good, thoughtful program. However, I think you gave Doris Haddock short shrift. Given her stature and impact, you certainly could have given more than 4 minutes on her death.
Kay , Keene