Will Vermont Legalize Marijuana

Vermont could legalize marijuana in 2015, after Governor Shumlin launched a study group to look into the possibility.

The Rand Corporation has been hired by the administration to examine how such a change could affect the state. The study will be considered by lawmakers there during their winter session.

A bill that expanded the state’s four medical marijuana dispensaries required the state to conduct a study into full legalization. Research costs will mostly be paid with money from a private organization, with Vermont kicking in $20,000.

Administration Secretary Jeb Spaulding spoke to reporters for the governor.

He said, “I think that by having an organization with a reputation as solid as Rand conduct this research analysis… will allow the Legislature to have a real conversation based on objective information and facts on what is a pretty significant policy decision.”

Vermont decriminalized small amounts of cannabis in 2013, and adopted medical marijuana laws for patients in the state. Colorado and Washington have already legalized the substance, and the Green Mountain state would become the first on the east coast to do so.

Governor Shumlin has not yet taken a firm stand one way or another on the legalization issue. Spaulding said he expects the report could assist the state executive in forming a position. The governor strongly supported both medical marijuana and decriminalization last year.

The Marijuana Policy Project wrote, “As a result of this reform, Vermont police and prosecutors now waste less time and taxpayer money on enforcing laws against marijuana possession.”

A recent study showed that 57 percent of people living in Vermont support full legalization of cannabis. Just 34 percent said they are opposed to treating cannabis like alcohol.

http://digital.vpr.net/post/shumlin-administration-launches-pot-legalization-study

http://www.mpp.org/states/vermont

http://www.mychamplainvalley.com/story/d/story/rand-corporation-to-study-marijuana-

legalization-i/22753/bkXb4kRzWkuSsxarBaSQWQ

http://www.mpp.org/states/vermont/Castleton-MPP-results.pdf

http://www.mychamplainvalley.com/story/d/story/rand-corporation-to-study-marijuana-

legalization-i/22753/bkXb4kRzWkuSsxarBaSQWQ