Gov. Phil Scott issued an executive order Thursday establishing a commission on marijuana, charged with exploring a range of options on legalization.
Two lawyers, Republican Tom Little and Democrat Jake Perkinson, will co-chair the commission which will have 13 members culled from a range of affected state agencies and from the Legislature.
The commission will begin work by Oct. 1 and deliver initial recommendations by January. Those include:
– Gathering the best available data on marijuana-related crash and crime rates
– Roadside testing options for law enforcement
– The feasibility of a new, regional impairment standard
– Strategies for youth prevention
“I don’t see that the commission’s charge is to write a marijuana bill and ask the Legislature to pass it,” Little said. “We’re a step or two behind that.”
“I do have young kids,” Perkinson added. “And whatever happens will influence how things work out for them. So I have a strong motivation to make sure it’s done responsibly.”
The executive order also calls on the new commission to spend all of next year exploring a range of issues surrounding the possibility of a Colorado-style retail market for marijuana.
Those findings, due in December 2018 include:
– Proposed tax rates, licensing rules for cultivation and adult sales
– Projected new state revenue and added state expenses
“I’ve been clear all along that I’m not philosophically opposed to legalization but if we’re going to do this we’d better get it right. We have the opportunity to do so,” Scott said Thursday. “We can’t ignore that this substance is widely used across Vermont. As well, Massachusetts and Maine have legalized. Canada is looking to legalize. So it’s surrounding us so we have to have to address it .”
Scott vetoed a limited legalization bill passed by the Legislature in May over objections that did not adequately consider youth prevention or roadside safety.
He is, however, leaving open the possibility he might sign a new version this winter, as his commission continues review of a tax and regulate model.
“There’s no rush as far as I’m concerned, but I know there are many advocates who are anxious,” Scott said. “The Legislature appears anxious as well.”
credit:420intel.com