Vermont governor signs marijuana legalization bill

Source: The Hill




BY REID WILSON - 01/22/18 02:38 PM EST

Vermont will become the latest state to allow the possession of marijuana for recreational purposes under a new measure signed into law Monday by Gov. Phil Scott (R).

The measure brings the number of states where recreational marijuana is legal to seven. But the Vermont bill is notable because it is the first time a state legislature has voted to legalize the drug.

The other six states where adults may possess and consume marijuana — Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Nevada and California — all arrived at legalization through voter-approved ballot measures.

Massachusetts and Maine will legalize marijuana later this year after voters passed ballot initiatives in 2016. The Vermont law takes effect on July 1.

Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/370139-vermont-governor-signs-marijuana-legalization-bill