Vermont governor to sign bill legalizing marijuana possession
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott says he will sign a bill legalizing possession of recreational marijuana that received final approval by state lawmakers on Wednesday.
Scott spoke at a news conference on Thursday, the Burlington Free Press reports. When Scott signs the bill, Vermont will be the first state to legalize marijuana through the state legislature.
The bill eliminates state penalties for adults who possess up to an ounce of marijuana, or those who own two mature or four immature marijuana plants. Retail sales are still barred.
“I still firmly believe what you do in your own home should be your business as long as it doesn’t affect someone else,” Scott said at the news conference.
State lawmakers passed the bill despite Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ recent announcement that he will give U.S. attorneys discretion on to enforce federal marijuana laws. The U.S. attorney in Vermont, Christina E. Nolan, has previously said her office would prioritize finite resources in handling drug cases.
See also:
ABAJournal.com: “New US attorney issues apparent warning as Massachusetts prepares for legalized marijuana”
