New Hampshire lawmakers are taking another stab at legalizing recreational cannabis, attempting this time to meet all the criteria set out by the governor for a bill to avoid a veto.
Lawmakers who have been listening to Gov. Chris Sununu are trying to align their efforts to pass cannabis legalization with his requirements for not vetoing the bill. At the top of that list is a so-called "franchise model" that would open 15 stores under robust state oversight.
"You can think of it like a chain, right?" said state Rep. Dan Maguire, R-Epsom. "There's a McDonald's headquarters, and all the McDonald's look the same, and they are all regulated and priced and have similar products and so on."
The governor also wants franchisees to accept a ban on lobbying and political contributions, two of the more controversial provisions he's asking for. Some cannabis advocates said the franchise model will open the door to federal intervention.
Read more at wmur.com