vermont marijuana legalization Archives

Vermont’s full legislature has passed a bill to legalize marijuana, making them the first in U.S. history to do so.

Senate Bill 22, which has now been approved by both the House of Representatives and Senate, would legalize the possession and use of up to an ounce of cannabis for those 21 and older. It would also allow them to legally cultivate up to two mature, and four immature cannabis plants at a private residence. Although the measure doesn’t legalize cannabis retail outlets, it does establish a study commission to consider the regulation and taxation of marijuana for adult use.

Although there are eight states in the U.S. where cannabis is legal, passage of Senate Bill 22 marks the first time ever that a state’s legislature has approved a bill to legalize marijuana; all prior legalization laws were approved through voter-initiatives. The legislation will now be sent to the desk of Governor Phil Scott for consideration; Scott has the option of signing it into law, allowing it to become law without his signature, or vetoing it.

Legislation to legalize the recreational use and distribution of cannabis will be introduced tomorrow in Vermont’s Senate by Senator David Zuckerman. A companion bill will be filed in the House of Representatives later in the week by Representative Chris Pearson.

Both bills would legalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis, and would establish a system of licensed cannabis retail outlets and cannabis lounges. Retail outlets would be authorized to sell up to an ounce of cannabis to Vermont residents aged 21 and older, and up to a quarter ounce to tourists visiting the state. Cannabis would be taxed at $40 an ounce.