Vermont: Senate Passes Legislation Permitting Marijuana Sales

Originally published at blog.NORML.org

Members of the state Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation on Thursday establishing a system of retail marijuana sales to adults.

Members passed Senate Bill 54 by a vote of 23 to 5. The measure expands existing law to permit the state-licensed production and sale of cannabis to those age 21 or older. Under the plan, the state would begin issuing growers’ licenses by December 2020. In February, NORML’s Deputy Director testified in favor of the legislation before members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Lawmakers last year enacted legislation permitting adults to legally possess and grow personal use quantities of cannabis. That legislation does not permit commercial production or sales.

The measure now awaits action from members of the House, which historically has been more hostile to proposals seeking to regulate the marijuana market. Republican Gov. Phil Scott has also expressed his intent to veto the legislation if it fails to adequately fund efforts directed toward youth prevention and traffic safety.

To track this legislation, or to learn about other pending law reforms in all 50 states, please visit NORML’s Action Center here.