Third Senate Committee in Vermont Passes Bill to Legalize Cannabis

Third Senate Committee in Vermont Passes Bill to Legalize Cannabis

The Vermont Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill today that would end cannabis prohibition in the state and regulate the plant for adult use. The measure has already been approved by two Senate committee, and is expected to receive a full Senate vote soon.

“The Senate has worked diligently and deliberately on this legislation,” said Matt Simon, a political director for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Most Vermonters believe it’s time to end prohibition and regulate marijuana, and it appears most of their state senators agree. We are hopeful that the Senate will approve this commonsense legislation and send it over to the House for its consideration.”

Senate Bill 241 would make it legal for adults 21 years of age and older to possess up to one ounce of cannabis and would establish a regulated system of licensed cannabis cultivation sites, testing facilities, and retail stores. It would also create a study commission to examine issues such as edible cannabis products and home cultivation. If approved, rulemaking would begin this summer, with the new law taking effect in January, 2018.

Earlier today, Vermont Public Radio released the results of a new poll conducted by the Castleton Polling Institute that found 55% of Vermonters support passing a law to legalize and regulate cannabis for adult use. Only 32% said they are opposed. The survey of 895 Vermonters was conducted February 3-17.