'With mixed emotions': Vermont governor signs marijuana bill into law
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott on Monday signed a bill into law that eliminates criminal penalties for possession of marijuana.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott on Monday signed a bill into law that eliminates criminal penalties for possession of marijuana.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott on Monday signed a bill into law that eliminates criminal penalties for possession of marijuana.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott on Monday signed a bill into law that eliminates criminal penalties for possession of marijuana.
"With mixed emotions, I have signed H. 511.," Scott said in a released statement.
The new law allows adults 21 years or older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana.
It will go into effect July 1.
The law also allows adults to grow two mature plants at home.
Selling marijuana in Vermont remains illegal.
Public consumption of marijuana is also not allowed in the new law.
Scott, a Republican, vetoed a similar bill last May.
"I personally believe that what adults do behind closed doors and on private property is their choice, so long as it does not negatively impact the health and safety of others, especially children," Scott's statement read.
He added that the law strengthens criminal and civil penalties for selling to or enabling the consumption of marijuana by anyone under 21 years old.
It also toughens criminal penalties for using marijuana in a car with a child present and for using or growing marijuana at facilities that serve children.
Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing marijuana under the new law.
The state legislature will continue studying the possibility of legalizing commercial marijuana sales.
Scott created a commission to address the need to develop comprehensive education, prevention and highway safety strategies.
"To be very direct: There must be comprehensive and convincing plans completed in these areas before I will begin to consider the wisdom of implementing a commercial 'tax and regulate' system for an adult marijuana market," Scott wrote.
Vermont will not collect any tax revenue from the legalization.
The Green Mountain State is now the first state to legalize recreational marijuana via the legislature rather than by a ballot initiative.
Advocates praised the governor's decision.
"Adults in Vermont no longer need to fear being fined or criminalized for low-level marijuana possession and cultivation,” New England political director for the Marijuana Policy Project Matt Simon said. “This is a great step forward for the state and the whole region."
The Marijuana Policy Project said a majority of Vermonters favor legalization.
Scott previously said he would sign the bill but not in a public ceremony.
If Scott did not sign the bill, it would have become law at 11:59 p.m. by default.
Nine other states and the District of Columbia will allow legal marijuana use when Vermont's law takes effect.
At least seven other states, including New York and New Hampshire, were set to debate marijuana legalization later this year.