NH farmers have a lot to gain from cannabis legalization. It is no longer a question of “IF” but “WHEN?”. Unfortunately, looking at the history of surrounding states , will the granite state face the challenges of keeping cannabis local and helping the community? Or will it succumb to big spending high-profile retailers?
NH Farmers Will Benefit Greatly From Cannabis Legalization
One of the largest issues that currently face the North East is the ability to grow crops year-round. The winters are long and the temperatures that come along with them make it impossible to do almost anything outside. This has put local NH farmers in a bind.
For starters, the growing season presents only a narrow window of time to plant, harvest and ship out. Appropriate temperatures only last approximately 3-4 months if they’re lucky. This issue is currently hitting the farming market for the state. Many local farmers resort to subletting their properties to make ends meet. When they do that, they no longer have as much land to produce, meaning that their property can no longer produce enough to sustain itself.
How Is Cannabis A Potential Solution?
The prospect of a legal market for cannabis in New Hampshire would allow farmers to have sustainable indoor grows. This provides them with the ability to grow year-round. Not only that, but the land that many farmers utilize will not be as necessary as it currently is. The ability to convert a barn or extra portion of the farm to indoor cultivation has the ability to stall any further selling of land to pay back ownership.
The value of a legalized market means a new cash-crop can be cultivated and help boost failing farms. Unfortunately, the market isn’t available yet, and when it does happen, it might not be in favor of the public. Again, New Hampshire OWNS liquor sales and would not want to miss out on depriving its citizens of an opportunity to “save the farm”.
Will Big Business Rain Supreme?
One of the biggest issues for citizens looking to move into the green space is the start up cost. In California, a full cultivation license can cost upwards of $180,000. That’s just to get approved. THEN comes the issues of finding a location, requiring the essentials to run and operate, and transportation fees. The problem is that the bar is set too high for many looking to invest in a new opportunity.
Basically, you need to have the capital to invest and sit on for a while before you make any money. So where do most people go to when they need a loan to invest in a business? The bank? Good luck finding one that will dish out the money for a “small business” – especially when it is still considered a schedule 1 narcotic by the Federal Government.
Who Else Is A Threat To The States Industry?
Well, to answer that question bluntly – the state itself. The state of New Hampshire flat-out owns liquor. They even put the liquor stores right off the highway. This asks a really hard question as to how the state will want to regulate the new industry. Does it want total control? If the state decides it wants to OWN outright the cultivation and distribution of cannabis then they will have a large problem on their hands – the Federal Government. This will only happen if they decide to legalize before the Feds do. One of the main reasons why the state hasn’t been able to move forward for the people is because they are simply trying to move forward for themselves. If they hold off legalization until the Federal government gives it the “Green” light, then they will be able to have total control. It will take the ability to venture into new industries for local farmers and capitalize for themselves. This is IF they decide to do that.
Will NH Cannabis Farmers Have A Future?
At the end of the day, there are a lot of variables that could affect the state for the better, but lets not hold our breath and expect the state to do this. Legalization is the first hurdle to a brighter future – after that its holding those accountable to make sure the industry isn’t owned by high paying corporations and the state itself.