Vermont House Committee Approves Bill to Legalize Cannabis Possession, Home Cultivation
The Vermont House Ways and Means Committee approved Senate Bill 241 today with a 6 to 3 vote after amending it to allow adults in Vermont to possess small amounts of cannabis, as well as grow it for personal use. The bill – which was approved by the Senate in February as a full legalization bill, including retail outlets – will now go to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration.
Unlike the version of the bill passed by the Senate, the new version of Senate Bill 241 does not allow for a regulated system of cannabis cultivation centers and retail outlets. However, it does allow adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of cannabis, and cultivate up to two plants, given they receive a $125 license from the state.
“Many Vermonters have been very vocal in support of allowing limited home cultivation, and it appears their voices did not fall on deaf ears,” says Matt Simon, Political Director for the Marijuana Policy Project. “This amendment breathes new life into S. 241. The House is engaged in a very deliberative process, and we’re hopeful it will do the right thing and end marijuana prohibition in Vermont.”
In February, Vermont Public Radio released the results of a poll conducted by the Castleton Polling Institute that found 55% of Vermonters support legalizing cannabis. In addition to the majority of Vermont residents supporting legalization, so does the state’s governor.
