If you live in Lowell, Massachusetts, you’ve probably wondered at some point: Can I just drive over to New Hampshire and pick up some weed? Or maybe you’ve thought about whether it’s legal to bring a vape pen along while hiking in the White Mountains.

The short answer? It’s complicated. New Hampshire has some very specific rules around cannabis, including vaporizing cannabis, and those rules don’t always line up with what neighboring states allow. Some laws are strict, some are confusing, and a few could change soon.

This guide breaks it all down in plain English so you know exactly where things stand.

The Current Legal Landscape in New Hampshire

As of 2025, recreational marijuana still isn’t legal in New Hampshire. Only medical cannabis is allowed, and even that comes with tight regulations.

Here’s the key stuff to know:

• Small possession is decriminalized: Less than ¾ ounce won’t land you in jail, but you can still get a fine (usually about $100 for first or second offenses).

• More than that can become criminal: Selling, growing, or possessing larger amounts can bring real legal consequences.

• Medical cannabis is tightly controlled: Patients with qualifying conditions can buy from licensed Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs), which function as medical dispensaries.

• Home growing isn’t allowed: Even registered patients can’t legally grow their own cannabis.

So if you’re in Lowell thinking you’ll cross the border for recreational cannabis, that option doesn’t exist right now.

Possible Changes on the Horizon

There are ongoing legislative efforts that could shift things.

One proposal, HB 1633, would allow adults 21+ to possess up to two ounces of cannabis if it passes. But even that wouldn’t mean total freedom — restrictions on public consumption, including vaping, and use inside vehicles would likely remain.

Another proposal would allow medical patients to grow a limited number of plants at home. That bill has passed part of the legislative process but still needs final approval.

Bottom line: change may come, but nothing major has happened yet.

Does a New Hampshire Marijuana Dispensary Exist for Recreational Users?

Not exactly. A New Hampshire marijuana dispensary currently refers only to medical cannabis locations.

ATCs operate in several towns, including: Dover, Chichester, Lebanon, Merrimack, Keene, Plymouth, Conway.

But access is restricted:

• You must have a valid medical cannabis card.

• No card means no purchase.

There is one helpful update: since 2023, out-of-state medical marijuana patients can legally buy from these dispensaries if they present a valid card from their home state. So Lowell residents with a medical card may be able to access a New Hampshire marijuana dispensary legally.

What About Vaporizing Cannabis?

Many people assume vaping might fall into a different legal category, but when it comes to vaporizing cannabis, New Hampshire law treats it basically the same as smoking.

That means:

• No special legal loophole for vaping.

• Public consumption restrictions still apply.

• Future legalization would likely keep bans on vaping in public spaces and vehicles.

So if you thought vaping made things legally simpler — unfortunately, it doesn’t.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re thinking about visiting a New Hampshire marijuana dispensary for recreational use, you’ll want to hold off for now. Without a medical card, recreational cannabis simply isn’t legal there yet.

Yes, it can feel frustrating — especially when nearby states have more relaxed laws. But until regulations shift, crossing state lines for cannabis can create more trouble than it’s worth.

For now, many Lowell residents find it simpler to stick with legal options closer to home. And as New Hampshire’s laws evolve, keeping informed will help you stay on the right side of them.