The Green Mountain State Legalizes Adult-use Cannabis

January 23, 2018

According to the latest reports, Vermont Governor Phi Scott has ratified the legalization bill of recreational cannabis. From July 1, Vermont will be the 9th US state with adult-use legalization in place. According to the bill which has become a part of legislation, adult residents of the country will be allowed to cultivate six cannabis plants and can possess up to one ounce of marijuana. Even though a retail program hasn’t been devised yet, but legalization of the plant itself will help in turning around the economy of the state.

Earlier, Vermont made history by passing a legalization bill entirely through the state’s legislature without holding any public vote on the issue. Within a week of endorsement from the lawmakers, the bill has been signed by the governor. This quick progress on the legalization front is a template for other states that are moving for years and years for the same reason.

It is interesting to note the development has been made just fortnight after Cannabis Crusader Jeff Sessions announcement of annulling Cole Memo. It is a small piece of legislation that was put into effect in the previous administration to limit the interference of federal authorities in the matters of states.

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Cole’s memo particularly held great importance in the domain of decriminalization and legalization where most of the states and federal policies are poles apart. But now it looks like that Sessions announcement has done more harm than good to his cause. In the wake of this annulment, lawmakers, regardless of their party affiliation, have come on the same page. They are of the belief that annulment of the Cole’s Memo only means a federal infringement on the rights of states.

In Vermont, the lawmakers didn’t restrict themselves to just lip service and moved forward to pass the recreational legislation. Apart from showing their united opposition to Sessions, the lawmakers have also shown their guts by taking an authoritative stance on the subject of legalization.

Lawmakers voted in the favor of the legislation have surely taken a political risk by upsetting their conservative voter base. It is important to note the activities of state’s legislature are a part of public record.

Vermont Lawmakers voted to legalizes adult use of marijuana – Image powered by Leafly.com

The move from the Vermont lawmaker’s is also risky because Scott had earlier rejected the bill to legalize recreational marijuana, stating the lack of research behind his veto. With legalization bill becoming a part of the state’s legislation, adult residents of the state will be able to consume recreational cannabis by this summer season.

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