Governor Scott to Sign (Limited) Legalization Bill

“It won’t be a public signing, but I will be signing it,” Scott said. “I have choices. I could let it go into law without my signature, and I’m not going to go that route. I’m going to sign it, but it won’t be a public affair.

“There are people on both sides of the fence,” Scott said. “Some very happy, some are disappointed. I recognize that and I want to respect that some don’t feel this is a momentous occasion, but the main thing is I will sign it, if everything holds true to what was supposed to be in the bill.”

Scott made the comments at his weekly press conference on Thursday.

The legislation legalizes one ounce of marijuana and possession of two plants per household. It includes provisions that restrict use in public places and underage use. It does not lay the groundwork for retail sales of the drug. A report to be issued in December examines a tax and regulatory framework for a retail market.

Attribution to  Anne Galloway at VTDigger

https://vtdigger.org/2018/01/19/scott-sign-marijuana-legalization-bill-behind-closed-doors/

VT House Passes Cannabis Legalization Bill

What Happens Next?

Bill H.511 Passed on 1/4/18, by a vote of 81-63.

You can view that bill, here.

The bill will proceed to the Senate for another vote. If it passes, it goes to the Governor for his signature... or veto.

We have been here before.

Let's make Governor Scott keep his word, and Vermont will take an historic step. We will be the first state to legalize cannabis, through its legislature.

I encourage all of you to reach out to him directly, and express your support for H.511

Governor Scott can be emailed HERE or you can call him directly at 802 828-3333

S.16 Legislative Update

You can find the amended bill, here:

http://legislature.vermont.gov/assets/Documents/2018/Docs/BILLS/S-0016/S-0016%20As%20Passed%20by%20the%20Senate%20Official.pdf

You can find the current and historical status of the bill, and track its progress here:

http://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2018/S.16

There have been a number of proposed changes to our current regulations.

Dispensaries will be expanding, and are now permitted to advertise, as well as become for-profit entities. 

Many of the problematic restrictions, relating to patient access, have been amended favorably. S.16 proposes a number of potential waivers to the 3-month Doctor/patient relationship requirement, expands permitted conditions (adding Crohn's, PTSD, and Parkinson's), increases possession limits to 3oz's, and the new paperwork will more clearly explain the medical professional's relatively limited role in the process.

Patients who designate themselves as their own cultivators, rather than designating a dispensary, may now: 1) cultivate for themselves, and one other registered patient and 2) also designate a dispensary.

Overall, this is a really big step forward, and Greener Mountain Consulting is eager to keep you informed, and help you navigate the new changes!

 

Here is a summary of the bill, in the state's own words:

http://legislature.vermont.gov/assets/Documents/2018/Docs/BILLS/S-0016/S-0016%20As%20Passed%20by%20the%20Senate%20Official.pdf