Cannabis Expungement in New Hampshire

New Hampshire (NH)Petition-Based Expungement

Individuals must file a petition with the court to request expungement of eligible cannabis records.

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At a Glance

Expungement Type
Petition-Based
Est. Eligible Records
~3,000
Eligible Offenses
2

Overview

New Hampshire has decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis and has a medical cannabis program, but has not legalized recreational use. The state offers annulment (its term for expungement) of certain criminal records, including some cannabis offenses. The process is petition-based and requires waiting periods that vary by offense severity. Misdemeanor cannabis offenses may be eligible for annulment after completing the sentence and a waiting period. New Hampshire's approach provides limited but meaningful relief for individuals with minor cannabis records.

Eligible Offenses

Application Process

New Hampshire allows annulment (the state's term for expungement) of certain cannabis offenses after a waiting period. Individuals must petition the court.

Key Facts

1New Hampshire uses 'annulment' instead of 'expungement' for record clearing.
2Petition-based annulment is available for certain cannabis offenses after waiting periods.
3Possession of 3/4 ounce or less is decriminalized (violation, not criminal).
4Waiting periods vary by offense severity (typically 1-3 years for misdemeanors).
5Recreational cannabis has not been legalized despite multiple legislative attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I annul a cannabis conviction in New Hampshire?+
Certain cannabis misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for annulment after completing the sentence and a waiting period. File a petition with the court where your conviction occurred.
What is annulment in New Hampshire?+
Annulment is New Hampshire's equivalent of expungement. When a record is annulled, it is removed from the public criminal record and should not appear on most background checks.
Has New Hampshire legalized recreational cannabis?+
As of early 2026, New Hampshire has not legalized recreational cannabis despite multiple legislative attempts. The state has decriminalized small amounts and has a medical program.

Related State Expungement Laws

Explore cannabis expungement laws in other states with similar programs or neighboring jurisdictions.

VT
Vermont
Automatic Expungement
ME
Maine
No Expungement Program
MA
Massachusetts
Petition-Based Expungement
CT
Connecticut
Automatic Expungement

Continue Exploring

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis expungement laws are complex and subject to change. New Hampshire expungement rules, eligibility criteria, and processes described here are based on publicly available information and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify current laws with official New Hampshire state resources and consult with a qualified attorney before pursuing expungement or record clearing. Cannabismarketcap does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented.