Opinion: An opportunity for Granite State farmers and businesses

Sean Trombly labels different varieties of the cannabis plants he will have tested to determine the THC and other qualities of the plant on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, in Chelsea, Vt. Jennifer Hauck / Valley News file

By JIM RIDDLE

Published: 03-14-2024 3:53 PM

Jim Riddle lives in Hillsborough.

I am a farmer and small business owner from Hillsboro. I have a USDA Hemp Producer License and operate a small seed business, and I also serve on the advisory board of the NH Cannabis Association (NHCANN).

In the fall of 2023, NHCANN conducted a grower survey to determine the level of support for legal cannabis among Granite State farmers. The survey found that 87% of respondents who currently farm support the legalization of adult-use cannabis. 78.3% of those NH farmers also expressed interest in becoming licensed growers.

I am writing to express support for HB 1633, specifically the provisions to establish affordable license fees for small-scale cultivators. Having reasonable fees for the lowest tier of cultivators will allow beginning farmers to enter the craft cannabis market. For most Granite State farmers, cannabis will be a new crop. When planting a new crop and entering a new market, it is always best to start small and gain experience. HB 1633 allows flexibility so that growers can enter the market without “betting the whole farm.”

I would like to share my experience attending NECANN cannabis and hemp trade shows in Burlington, Vermont, and Augusta, Maine, in 2023. I fully expected to see growers and dispensaries represented, but I was not prepared for the whole range of businesses with exhibits. The following types of businesses had booths: packaging, cosmetics, universities, government agencies, tourism, greenhouses, insurance, banking, security, inputs, seeds, and so much more. Business was booming on the trade show floors.

Passage of HB 1633 will spur investment and economic activity in New Hampshire while reducing costs for law enforcement and incarceration.

I support the inclusion of a 10% agency fee on monthly sales by licensed cannabis retail outlets in HB 1633, as well as the allocation of 65% of revenue going to the education fund, which will help lower property taxes.

HB 1633 presents a cautious, thoughtful approach to establishing a legal cannabis market in New Hampshire, while providing opportunities for farmers, stimulating business, capturing revenue, reducing property taxes, and keeping our dollars in our state.

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