Vermont’s elected officials have started off the 2018 legislative process on a progressively high note.
On Thursday, while America’s Attorney General (AG) was busy making new congressional enemies and rescinding the Cole Memorandum, Vermont’s House of Representatives passed a bill that would legalize the recreational use, possession, and cultivation of marijuana – for those adults over 21 years old.
Rep. Brian Savage (R-4th District) had initially requested a delay in the vote, citing the nervous ignorance emanating from the Department of Justice and AG Jeff Sessions, but the bill passed with an 81 to 63 vote.
The legislation, H. 511, if passed by the Senate and signed by Gov. Scott, would make the following changes in Vermont:
- No civil penalties for possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana
- Vermont residents would be allowed to cultivate up to two mature marijuana plants
- Vermont residents would be allowed to grow no more than four starters
- New marijuana rules would be applicable after July 1, 2018
Potentially a historic piece of legislation, the passage of H. 511 would make Vermont the first state to legalize marijuana through a state’s legislative process.
Gov. Phil Scott has publicly stated he’s ready to support and sign the legislation into law if the Senate votes to approve the new language. The bill is on the Senate’s calendar for consideration Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 9:30 a.m.
Photo courtesy of Allie Beckett
