Vermont senate passes bill to legalize marijuana use
Passage would put the state directly at odds with U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reversing an Obama-era policy easing enforcement of federal laws banning the drug in eight states where it is legal
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Vermont’s senate passed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana use, which would make the state the first in the nation to do so through the legislative process rather than a ballot initiative. Republican Governor Phil Scott is expected to sign the bill, which passed the Democratic-controlled Senate by a voice vote. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed the measure last week. Although Vermont is one of the most politically liberal states, it is also one of 23 in the nation that do not allow ballot initiatives. Neighboring Massachusetts, nearby Maine and six other states have legalized marijuana use as a result of voter initiatives. New Hampshire’s House of Representatives passed a similar bill to legalize recreational marijuana use.
