By Matt Simon | Marijuana Policy Project
January 29, 2016 6:12 PM
MONTPELIER, VT — The Vermont Senate Committee on Judiciary approved a bill (4-1) on Friday that would end marijuana prohibition in the state and regulate marijuana for adult use.
Senate Bill 241 would make it legal for adults 21 years of age and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and establish a tightly controlled system of licensed marijuana cultivation sites, testing facilities, and retail stores.
It would also create a study commission to examine issues such as edible marijuana products and home cultivation, which would not be allowed under the bill. It would remain illegal to consume marijuana in public or drive under the influence of marijuana.
“I want to thank Senator Sears for his leadership and the entire Judiciary Committee for their hard work on this bill,” Gov. Peter Shumlin (D) said in a statement Friday. “This legislation meets the principles I outlined in my State of the State Address and I believe it provides the framework for our state to cautiously, step-by-step and in the Vermont way end the failed war on drugs policy of marijuana prohibition. This debate is about whether we can take a smarter approach towards marijuana, which is already widely available and used by tens of thousands of Vermonters.”
“Promoting prevention, keeping marijuana out of the hands of kids, getting rid of illegal drug dealers, and doing a better job responding to impaired drivers already on our roads, I believe this legislation is a huge improvement on the failed war on drugs,” Shumlin continued. “I look forward to working with the legislature as they continue to debate this issue.”
If approved, the new law would not take effect until January 2018.
The bill, which is still very much a work in progress, will now go to the Senate Committee on Finance for consideration.
If you are a Vermont resident, please visit the Vermont Coalition to Regulate Marijuana to find out how you can help.
Vermont Marijuana Legalization Bill Clears First Hurdle
January 29, 2016 6:12 PM
MONTPELIER, VT — The Vermont Senate Committee on Judiciary approved a bill (4-1) on Friday that would end marijuana prohibition in the state and regulate marijuana for adult use.
Senate Bill 241 would make it legal for adults 21 years of age and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and establish a tightly controlled system of licensed marijuana cultivation sites, testing facilities, and retail stores.
It would also create a study commission to examine issues such as edible marijuana products and home cultivation, which would not be allowed under the bill. It would remain illegal to consume marijuana in public or drive under the influence of marijuana.
“I want to thank Senator Sears for his leadership and the entire Judiciary Committee for their hard work on this bill,” Gov. Peter Shumlin (D) said in a statement Friday. “This legislation meets the principles I outlined in my State of the State Address and I believe it provides the framework for our state to cautiously, step-by-step and in the Vermont way end the failed war on drugs policy of marijuana prohibition. This debate is about whether we can take a smarter approach towards marijuana, which is already widely available and used by tens of thousands of Vermonters.”
“Promoting prevention, keeping marijuana out of the hands of kids, getting rid of illegal drug dealers, and doing a better job responding to impaired drivers already on our roads, I believe this legislation is a huge improvement on the failed war on drugs,” Shumlin continued. “I look forward to working with the legislature as they continue to debate this issue.”
If approved, the new law would not take effect until January 2018.
The bill, which is still very much a work in progress, will now go to the Senate Committee on Finance for consideration.
If you are a Vermont resident, please visit the Vermont Coalition to Regulate Marijuana to find out how you can help.
Vermont Marijuana Legalization Bill Clears First Hurdle
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