Dear Friends,
I have been working on reforming our cannabis laws for over a decade, including leading the efforts to allow its use for medical purposes. Today S.241, “An act relating to personal possession and cultivation of cannabis and the regulation of commercial cannabis establishments,” heads to the Senate floor for debate and a vote.
This bill has passed through many senate committees and been amended many times. While it may not completely represent our goals for cannabis reform it represents a huge shift from no regulation to a regulated and managed product.
Several amendments will be offered today as the bill is debated on the Senate floor. I will be offering one, co-sponsored by Senator Rogers, which would allow for individuals to cultivate for personal use.
There are still many Senators who are not sure if their constituency supports changing the system from prohibition to a legal and regulated system. Now is the time to let Montpelier know you support cannabis reform. Please call the Sergeant of Arms: 1-800-322-5616 and leave a message for your Senator/s and Representative/s today.
Some of the reasons I support comprehensive cannabis reform include:
Prohibition has not reduced access to cannabis for our youth or adults.
Prohibition has increased the connection between cannabis and more serious drugs due to dealer/consumer relationships.
Prohibition has led to a huge increase in incarceration rates nationwide, particularly among minority communities. This costs taxpayers billions of dollars and prohibits otherwise productive members of society from contributing to their families and communities.
Cannabis is a huge underground industry which we could require to pay taxes like all other commerce. Regulation would also reduce the costs of prohibition and incarceration.
Resources from sales could be directed towards youth prevention, education and treatment for both cannabis as well as other more serious drugs.
Thank you in advance for your participation in our democracy and for taking your time to share your views on marijuana reform with me.
Senator David Zuckerman
802-448-2654
And this...
Passes Senate 16-13. Has Governor’s support.
Clarification
I need clarification on the growing part, because the way I read it, it did not sit well with me. Is it illegal to grow? Are there strong consequences? If so why? How does this impact Hemp production/growing? If people can grow tobacco, brew beer…etc., I would hope they could grow Marijuana. and if not, then is this bill good enough?
homegrown?
It is my understanding that one cannot legally grow one’s own under this legislation and I heard on VPR’s Vermont Edition today that this is the reason Sen Becca Balint voted against it.