On May 24, 2017 Vermont Governor Phil Scott vetoed legislation that would have begun the process of Vermont becoming the 9th state to legalize recreational marijuana. However, the legislation is not dead. Governor Phil Scott, referencing his libertarian streak, reiterated in a letter to the Senate he is not “philosophically opposed to ending the prohibition on marijuana”. He continued he believes if the Governor and the legislature work together they can “move forward on this issue”. The Governor offered his recommendations on the legislation which included removing confusion around what penalties apply to the sale and dispensing of marijuana to minors; more aggressive penalties for consumption while driving and use in the presence of minors (smoking marijuana in the car with a child present is only a small civil fine); ensure public safety officials can continue to enforce remaining drug laws; and expand the key stakeholders on the Marijuana Regulatory Commission to include Departments of Public Safety, Health, and Taxes.
The Governor reiterated his concern for public health and safety and his desire to “get this right”. He wants the Commission to have at least one year to create recommendations. He wants to ensure Vermont knows how to measure and detect impairment on roadways (the Governor confirmed he reached out to the Coalition of Northeastern Governors to engage in a discussion about creating a regional highway safety standard), fund additional substance abuse prevention education, and keep children safe while penalizing those who don’t.
The Governor opened the opportunity to discuss and work with the Legislature during the summer session on these revisions to move this legislation forward.
Like much of the industry, we will have to stay tuned.