Vermont’s adult cannabis sales move forward after governor stays silent

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Governor Phil Scott didn’t approve or veto a bill addressing cannabis sales, allowing the measure to pass

Vermont will legalize the sale of recreational cannabis across the state in the next two years. A bill that will set up a system to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana in Vermont will become law without Republican Governor Phil Scott’s signature. The legislation allows retail sales of marijuana to begin in two years, and establishes up to a 14% excise tax on cannabis products. 30% of the revenue from the excise tax will be earmarked for substance abuse prevention and, also includes a provision to fund roadside saliva tests.

Governor Scott sent a letter to the Senate secretary late Wednesday, commending the Legislature for making substantial progress in addressing three of his key priorities, but stating that more work needs to be done to address the health and safety of kids, as well as to ensure highway safety. “The Legislature needs to strengthen education and prevention – including banning marketing that appeals in any way to our kids – otherwise they are failing to learn the lessons of the public health epidemic caused by tobacco and alcohol,” Governor Scott said.

The Governor also addressed his reasoning for not signing the bill in the WCAX gubernatorial debate, saying the bill was not a top priority for him, but instead highlighted the work of lawmakers. “I applaud the legislature for coming forward, but we didn’t get totally there.

There are still areas that are problematic within the bill, but again, I felt they made a good faith effort to move forward. It’s inevitable. We have Massachusetts, and Maine and Canada who have legalized, so it was just a matter of time before we did,” Scott said.