Vermont committee unanimously approves legalization of cannabis sales

Vermont legalized possession of small amounts of cannabis and home cultivation in 2018, but never planned for a retail sales system. A committee of the lower house of the legislature last Friday approved a proposal to legalize the sale of cannabis by 11 votes to 0.

A second committee will examine the bill tomorrow to discuss taxes and fees. If approved, the bill will then go to the Appropriations Committee before heading to the State House of Representatives.

The Senate has already approved a version of the bill last year. If the House of Representatives approves the bill, it will enter a conference committee with the Senate to reconcile the differences between the two chambers' versions, the text having been amended in the meantime.

«This unanimous committee vote reflects the growing consensus in favor of Section 54,» said Matt Simon, New England political director of the Marijuana Policy Project. «Vermonters are more than ready to see the advent of regulated cannabis sales in their state, and this is an encouraging sign that Vermont's elected officials are ready to move forward on the issue.»

"Vermonters are more than ready to see the advent of regulated cannabis sales in their state, and this is an encouraging sign that Vermont's elected officials are ready to move forward on the issue." -Matt Simon, MPP's New England political director https://t.co/MaeWGUg3Ul

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- Marijuana Policy Project (@MarijuanaPolicy) January 31, 2020

The bill, as approved by the Committee, would establish a government agency to regulate the licensing of all cannabis-related businesses. A tax of 16% would be imposed on cannabis sales, and up to 30% of revenue from sales would go to addiction treatment programs.

Cannabis flowers could contain no more than 30% of THC, and concentrates could contain up to 60% of THC.

Republican Governor Phil Scott has already voiced his opposition to commercial cannabis sales, citing concerns about impaired driving. He is nonetheless open to the subject and would consider funding a school support program with cannabis taxes.