Cannabis law in New Hampshire (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: In New Hampshire, possessing 3/4 ounce or less of marijuana is a violation with a $100 fine for a first or second offence, and more than that is a misdemeanour. Growing and selling marijuana are offences penalised by quantity. A therapeutic cannabis programme operates under RSA 126-X.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Civil penalty only (no criminal record) within a limit [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | 3/4 ounce or less of marijuana (or 5 grams or less of hashish) is a violation with a $100 fine for a first or second offence and up to $300 for later offences within 3 years, and the person is not subject to arrest. More than 3/4 ounce of marijuana or more than 5 grams of hashish is a misdemeanour. Registered therapeutic cannabis patients are covered by RSA 126-X. [1] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [2] |
| Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult | Legal for medical use [3] |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | No one may drive while under the influence of any controlled drug or other substance that impairs the ability to drive. The fixed limits in the law are for alcohol only (0.08, or 0.02 under 21). [4] |
Notes
- Possessing 3/4 ounce or less of marijuana is a violation, not an arrestable offence (RSA 318-B:2-c, VI). The fine is $100 for a first or second offence and up to $300 for later offences within 3 years; a fourth offence within 3 years on a complaint alleging three prior convictions is a class B misdemeanour. Possession of more than 3/4 ounce is a misdemeanour.
- Cultivating or growing marijuana falls under manufacturing a controlled drug, penalised under RSA 318-B:26, I by quantity. Cultivation under RSA 126-X is provided for alternative treatment centres; no personal cultivation right for patients or other adults was found in the chapter.
- Selling marijuana is penalised under RSA 318-B:26, I by quantity. The only lawful dispensing found is by alternative treatment centres to registered therapeutic cannabis patients under RSA 126-X.
- Registered qualifying patients with a qualifying medical condition may possess up to two ounces of usable cannabis obtained from alternative treatment centres under RSA 126-X.
Sources
- New Hampshire General Court: RSA 318-B:2-c Personal Possession of Marijuana (Internet Archive snapshot of 26 September 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- New Hampshire General Court: RSA 318-B:2 Acts Prohibited (Internet Archive snapshot of 27 December 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- New Hampshire General Court: RSA Chapter 126-X Use of Cannabis for Therapeutic Purposes (Internet Archive snapshot of 3 July 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- New Hampshire General Court: RSA 265-A:2 Driving or operating under influence of drugs or liquor (Internet Archive snapshot of 2 September 2024) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Possession for personal use | Criminal offence (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Growing at home | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
| Sale to consumers | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
New Hampshire and neighbouring states
| State | Possession for personal use | Growing at home | Sale to consumers | Use or carrying in public places | Medical cannabis | Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | Violation: $100 fine up to 3/4 oz | ⚠ Not yet verified | No (sales are an offence) | — | Therapeutic cannabis programme (RSA 126-X) | — |
| Massachusetts | Legal for adults 21+, within limits | Yes: up to 6 plants | Licensed retailers | Banned in public places | Medical programme (certified patients) | Out-of-state adults 21+ may buy |
| Maine | Legal for adults 21+, within limits | Yes: 6 mature, 12 immature plants | Licensed retail stores | Banned in public places | Medical programme (MMCP) | Visitors 21+ may buy |
| Vermont | Legal for adults 21+ | Up to 2 mature, 4 immature plants | Licensed retail stores, 21+ | No consumption in public (civil penalty) | Registered patients, dispensaries | Medical programme: residents only |
More rules in New Hampshire
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (45 mph on unimproved rural highway)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (youth operator licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15½ (learning to drive, accompanied)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permissible fireworks, licensed sellers) · Minimum age to buy: 21 (18+ if on active duty)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Knives not named in the carry offence · Locking or one-handed knives: Not named in the carry offence
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed (18+)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Under 18 only · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.