By Democratic Candidate Proposes Legalization
Cinde Warmington, the sole Democrat running for the New Hampshire gubernatorial nomination, urged state legalization of marijuana during a town hall event on Wednesday. She stated that the state needs an additional revenue source and that cannabis legalization is an option available to them. Warmington is challenging incumbent Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte in this year’s election.
Warmington argued that New Hampshire citizens should not drive across state borders to pay taxes to neighboring states. The candidate emphasized that the state needs to enact this change to retain its own revenue.
The proposal comes as New Hampshire neighbors have already enacted similar reforms. Warmington’s comments highlight a growing concern about losing tax revenue to adjacent states. She described the situation as a product that citizens have clearly stated they want to have access to within their own state.
Governor Ayotte Opposes Reform
Incumbent Governor Kelly Ayotte opposes marijuana legalization and has threatened to veto any such bill that reaches her desk. She recently vetoed legislation that would have allowed businesses in the existing medical cannabis program to cultivate in greenhouses. Lawmakers overrode her veto last month, making the medical marijuana cultivation measure law despite her objections.
Ayotte stated last year that her position on the reform would not change.
The governor’s opposition extends to broader cannabis policy in the state. She has consistently blocked efforts to expand the medical program’s capabilities. Her recent veto of the greenhouse cultivation bill drew significant criticism from the Democratic challenger.
Challenger Criticizes Veto Decision
Warmington criticized Ayotte’s veto of the medical marijuana proposal in a video posted to social media in June. She asked, “Come on, Kelly. Shouldn’t we be trying to make health care more affordable for Granite Staters, not less?” The candidate argued the bill would have made medical cannabis more affordable and accessible to those who need it.
Warmington linked the veto to broader issues with healthcare costs under Ayotte’s administration. She noted that the governor increased Medicaid premiums by up to $270 a month for vulnerable residents. She also cited increased prescription co-pays as part of a pattern of rising costs for patients.
Warmington stated that New Hampshire deserves a governor who will fight for lower health care costs and greater accessibility. She previously served as a member of the New Hampshire Executive Council. The candidate positioned her platform around making health care more affordable for the state’s residents.
