Cannabis has yet to legalize in New Hampshire. With a resounding 75% of the populace wanting full-scale legalization, what else are they looking for?
It has been a long time since Colorado and California have set the bar for legalization efforts across the country. Being the first two states to have full recreational use for the public, there were a lot of missed queues when the bills were first signed. High taxes, out-of-reach startup costs and still the threat of federal intervention were major deterrents for the common man to start a new small business.
The surrounding states (including Canada) are also cannabis friendly. Maine and Vermont enact very tolerable policies for home grow and possession. Meanwhile Massachusetts has a terrible tax-hike and a strict limit on the quantity of a purchase.
Since then, many states have adopted these same rules into their legalization efforts. As each state moves forward with their policies, what are New Hampshire citizens hopeful for when (no longer “IF”) the state enacts common sense polices?
A New Industry Brings More Jobs
New Hampshire boasts a high employment rate. This being a “right to work” state means that many small businesses come to NH due to the minimum wage staying at $7.25/ hour which is the smallest labor cost you can get as well as little to no taxes. If you are looking to move up in your income, you can learn a skill/trade and even obtain a good benefits package! Having an entry level career priced at $18/hour is decent for those living in the city areas. At the $18/hour mark, you are creating an industry that has a higher standard of work. In the surrounding states, this job opportunity comes to those who are willing to learn how to cultivate and harvest cannabis at the optimal level.
Then comes sales. You need a place to sell your product, right? A regular hourly rate of $12/ hour plus even a small commission will help employees who want to do well earn a livable wage. This can push income to almost $20/hour for those who love to sell a product that they believe in.
If New Hampshire Were To Legalize, It Would Create an Industry Identity
Quick! Think of a craft brewery that you like to go to? The first two for me are Stark and Stoneface. Those are two local New Hampshire breweries. If you asked me to find a Maine brewery, I would have to go with Allaghash. New England is known for its diverse and extensive craft beer companies. We like beer and of the states that make up New England, New Hampshire loved beer the most.
Now, imagine when the state moves forward with legalizing. How many “craft” cannabis growers will start up? The ability to start a new business shouldn’t be out of reach for those looking to start. Sure, there should be qualifications that need to be met in order to prove coherency, but even to simply start, it should be a goal that is obtainable.
That being said, I will gladly be the first to say that not every business lasts in New Hampshire. Look at the Mcdonalds in the Mall of New Hampshire – not even that wanted to stick around. It allows a large number of people to create their own income and lets the market dictate who comes out on top.
All of these are basic industry standards. That is, of course, if…
The Government Doesn’t Control The Industry
It’s common place to throw out that the state owns liquor. What would halt them for wanting to go after the cannabis industry as well? Heck, it hasn’t stopped them from trying.
If the state were to have sole proprietorship over the industry then all potential for employment, business and income go out the window for its citizens. This would dampen almost 2 decades of hard work for those who have tried to make an impact on their states future, build a new industry, and create jobs. Unfortunately, the same people that we need permission from are also the ones who want to control it for themselves.
This is one of the biggest issues that currently halt forward thinking progress. If the state were to legalize, would they control it?