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News from everywhere *but* Central New Hampshire.

Only One North Country Rep Votes Against Decriminalizing Marijuana

All but one of the North Country representatives voted Wednesday to decriminalize marijuana.

AsNHPRreported House Bill 618passed by 297 – 67, the sixth time the House has approved a bill that would make possession of half an ounce  of marijuana a violation rather than requiring jail time.

John Tholl, a Republican from Whitefield and former state trooper and police chief, voted against the bill.

In an e-mail he said he is not against decriminalization but thought 1/2 ounce was too large a quantity.

Thirteen other representatives voted in favor. Two were excused from voting.

The bill now must pass the Senate.

North Country representatives voting in favor of the bill:

* Brad Bailey, Republican, of Monroe

* Susan Ford, Democrat, of Easton

* John Fothergill, Republican, of Colebrook

* Alethea Froburg, Democrat, of Berlin

* Edmond Gionet, Republican, of Lincoln

* William Hatch, Democrat, of Gorham

* Erin Hennessey, Republican, of Littleton

* Linda Massimilla, Democrat, of Littleton

* Wayne Moynihan, Democrat, of Dummer

* Larry Rappaport, Republican, of Colebrook

* Herb Richardson, Republican, of Lancaster

* Leon Rideout, Republican, of Lancaster

* Yvonne Thomas, Democrat, of Berlin

North Country representatives voting against the bill.

* John Tholl, Republican, of Whitefield

North Country representatives excused from voting:

* Rebecca Brown, Democrat, of Sugar Hill

* Robert Theberge, Democrat, of Berlin

To see how legislators voted on other issues go here.

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