HB1446

Please support! Thank you, Mrs. Martha Jaquith

Strong Affirmation for HB 1446 House Bill 1446 is a critical advancement in ensuring the protection of both constitutional rights and public health. This legislation recognizes that the use of therapeutic cannabis for individuals with qualified medical needs should not impede their Second Amendment rights. Key Points of Affirmation Constitutional Rights Protection: The bill explicitly acknowledges that the right to keep and bear arms, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment, must be preserved for all citizens, regardless of their use of therapeutic cannabis. This aligns with the fundamental principles of liberty and personal choice, reflecting the essence of a free society. Public Health Consideration: By allowing individuals to participate in a therapeutic cannabis program without fear of losing their firearm rights, this bill promotes responsible access to medical treatment. Patients should not have to choose between managing their health and exercising their rights. Legal Clarity: HB 1446 clarifies that participation in the therapeutic cannabis program does not equate to disqualification for firearm purchase, ownership, or possession. It sends a strong message that state law will not support federal measures that unfairly target citizens based solely on their lawful medical cannabis use. State Rights Assertion: The bill reinforces state sovereignty by preventing local or state agencies from assisting in federal enforcement actions against qualifying patients. This empowers New Hampshire to protect its residents from overreach and to support public health initiatives effectively. Justice for Patients: It ensures that qualifying patients can feel secure in their rights as citizens. Should they face legal challenges due to their therapeutic cannabis use, the bill provides a mechanism for the Attorney General to intervene, making it clear that New Hampshire stands with its patients. Conclusion In summary, HB 1446 is a necessary and progressive legislative measure that supports the intersection of healthcare and constitutional rights. By affirming that individuals using therapeutic cannabis can retain their rights to own and possess firearms, this bill embodies a balanced approach to personal freedom, public health, and responsible governance. Support for this bill is tantamount to supporting the rights of all New Hampshire citizens to live freely and receive the medical care they need without undue discrimination or fear.

Dear Members of the Committee, I strongly support HB 1446, which ensures that qualified patients' therapeutic use of cannabis does not disqualify them from exercising their firearm rights under state law.New Hampshire's Therapeutic Cannabis Program (RSA 126-X) allows certified patients to use cannabis for legitimate medical purposes, yet federal overreach currently threatens to strip these law-abiding Granite Staters of their Second Amendment rights simply for complying with state law. This bill protects qualified patients from losing their ability to purchase, possess, or own firearms, aligning state protections with our tradition of liberty.In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022), the Supreme Court held that firearm regulations must be consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. There is no historical analogue from the Founding era—or any relevant period—for broadly disarming individuals based on their consumption of substances like alcohol or cannabis when they are not intoxicated or acting dangerously. Historical restrictions focused on intoxication at the time of carrying or use, not mere consumption or medical treatment.New Hampshire's Constitution (Part I, Article 2-a) guarantees the right to keep and bear arms in defense of self, family, property, and the state. HB 1446 upholds this by preventing unnecessary disqualification of responsible therapeutic cannabis patients.I urge you to vote in favor of HB 1446 to safeguard constitutional rights and state sovereignty. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Brady Owens

A Doctors prescription for use of therapeutic cannabis should not/shall not disqualify the individual from the purchase, ownership, or possession of a firearm.

Leave federal law to the federal government. There is no reason for NH to assimilate federal laws nor assist in their enforcement.

Please pass this bill.

Greetings from Sullivan County: Legal use of legal substances must not limit individual rights. nuff said.