The Vermont House turned down a cannabis legalization bill on Tuesday, ruining the dreams of legalization supporters for large drug progressiveness this year after some misleading votes in the state Senate earlier in 2016. If the proposal were passed, Vermont would have been the first state to legalize cannabis through the legislature instead of through referendum. It would have also brought legalization closer to New England, the area considered to be the next hot spot for cannabis policies.
Rather, the Vermont House voted against a cannabis legalization proposal by a shocking vote of 121-28. This bill had already been passed through the state Senate after Governor Peter Shumlin had told them to in February. The bill would have legalized, managed and taxed cannabis for those aged 21 or older, however, it was more restricted than legalization ballot initiatives in a multitude of ways.
It would not have legalized edibles nor would it have allowed home growth. Also, sales would not happen for another two years. State Representative Christopher Pearson, said prohibition had failed, and it was time to change things.
“Constituents want to know: Why do we sit and enjoy delicious Vermont beer and frown on cannabis use?” he pondered
“I don’t think we want to be in the business of saying that someone who grows a plant for their own use should have a criminal record,” state representative Chip Conquest, who introduced the decriminalization bill before the House vote, stated on the floor.
“I believe legalization is coming to Vermont,” Conquest announced before the vote. “I think, because of what’s happening in other state and other countries and because of the nature of Vermont, there’s a very good chance that we will be considering legalization of marijuana in the very near future, and I think we should prepare for that.”
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