Gov. Phil Scott harshed the mellow buzz around legalization when he refused to approve a bill that would have allowed marijuana possession and cultivation in the Green Mountain State on May 24. Despite being approved by the legislature, Scott had issues with several aspects of the bill.
Matt Simon, MPP's New England political director, stated:
“We're disappointed by the governor’s decision to veto this widely supported legislation, but we're very encouraged by the governor’s offer to work with legislators to pass a legalization bill during the summer veto session. Most Vermonters want to end marijuana prohibition, and it's critical that the legislature respond by passing a revised legalization bill this summer.”
News reports, however, contradict Simon's contention that the bill can be revived during the summer months:
"This version of the bill is now dead. The legislature can create another recreational marijuana bill in January when the new sessions begins."
The bill would have legalized adult possession of up to one ounce and cultivation of up to four plants at a time. Last year, Vermont came close to legalization, but the Senate and House could not agree on the bill's wording. This year, the legislation ran into a Republican governor who was troubled by so-called stoned driving and underage use.
