Vermont: cannabis legalized as early as January?

Recreational cannabis could be legal as early as January 2018 in Vermont, according to Mitzi Johnson, the governor's spokeswoman. The bill will be put to a vote «in early January».

If the bill is passed, Vermont will become the first U.S. state to legalize cannabis through legislation. The other states have passed it by referendum.

Cannabis legalization in Vermont seemed all but a done deal earlier this year, after both state houses approved the bill. Governor Phil Scott vetoed the passage of the law, adding that he would only sign it if amendments on driving under the influence of cannabis and child safety were added. The Senate had tried to pass this amended version this summer, but Parliament had not managed to validate the draft quickly enough.

The bill will be debated on January 4. With the Senate having already validated the bill, all that remains is for the legislature to vote on it and the Governor to sign it, which seems quite likely.

«There has been no significant change» in support for the bill since the beginning of the year, explains Mitzi Johnson. «We have an agreement with the Governor and with the Senate on what the bill says». The Governor also confirmed that he is now «comfortable» with the bill's passage into law.

The regulation of cannabis in Vermont will be different from other U.S. states that have legalized cannabis. There will be no retail sales of cannabis. Vermonters will only be allowed to carry 28 grams or less of cannabis and grow a few plants at home. However, a commission will be set up to further study the possibilities of recreational cannabis sales.