Staff Report
Governor Phil Scott today vetoed a marijuana legalization bill that sparked some of the toughest debates of this legislative session. The Legislature is due to reconvene in June.
The proposal would have legalized possession of up to an ounce of marijuana, and allowed for cultivation of up to two mature cannabis plants. Also, it would have made Vermont the first state in the nation to legalize recreational marijuana by an act of the Legislature, and the ninth state overall to legalize recreational marijuana.
At a press conference earlier today, Scott said he is “not philosophically opposed to ending the prohibition on marijuana,” and the governor said he’d be giving lawmakers a list of recommended changes. One of those desired changes includes adding tougher penalties for marijuana consumption while driving.
Scott also wanted some changes to the Marijuana Regulatory Commission the bill would create.
“As the bill currently stands, legislation for a regulated system would be introduced before the personal possession and cultivation laws have even changed,” Scott said in a statement. “I believe, the Commission should be allowed to take more time to thoughtfully complete its work on this complex issue. Given the gravity of this policy change, I would like to see the Commission have at least a year before making final recommendations.”