Vermont considers decriminalizing all drugs

The Judiciary Committee of the Vermont House of Representatives, which has legalize cannabis in 2020, is examining three proposals to reform the state's drug laws, including one that aims to decriminalize the possession of personal quantities of controlled substances.

The bill would make possession of a small amount of drugs a civil offense punishable by a 50$ fine, and allow offenders to be screened for substance abuse disorders and have the fee waived. The proposal is supported by over 40 sponsors.

The bill calls for the creation of a Drug Use Standards Advisory Council, which would include experts in harm reduction, substance use disorders, treatment and drug law, as well as three consumer representatives «who have lived experience of drug use and consumption practices,» says the report. The board would be responsible for determining what constitutes a supply for personal use of each decriminalized drug.

A other bill examined by the Commission decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms and cacti, while a third bill would transform many drug-related offenses into minor offenses.

Andrew Seaman, Medical Director Vermont for Better Life Partners, a drug treatment organization, said that Vermont is «probably one of the best candidates» to launch such a program «without additional resources,» pointing to the state's success in treating substance abuse disorders with its program Hub & Spoke.

The system Hub & Spoke is a statewide partnership of clinicians and treatment centers providing medication-assisted therapy to Vermonters addicted to opioids.

«The Hub (treatment center) and Spoke (physician-led team) ensure that each patient's care is effective and coordinated, and are supported by nurses and counselors who work to connect each person with community support services,» reads the Vermont Department of Health website describing the program.

All three bills are awaiting a vote in Committee. Only one U.S. state, Oregon, decriminalized drug possession low level. This reform was approved by the voters, not by the Legislative Assembly.