MONTPELIER, Vt. — Vermont Gov. Phil Scott said he will veto a marijuana legalization bill, eliminating the chance — for now — of the state becoming the ninth to legalize recreational pot.
Scott said he would send the bill back to the Legislature with suggestions to strengthen the bill to his liking. His specific concerns include what he considered weak penalties for the sale of marijuana to minors and more time for a commission studying a regulated market.
In summarizing his opposition to the current legislation Wednesday afternoon, Scott said his priorities were protecting children from exposure to the drug and to second-hand smoke and to “enhance” the commission that the bill establishes.
Wednesday was Scott’s deadline for making a decision on the bill. He had the option to sign the bill, reject the bill and send it back to the Legislature for a veto override, or allow the bill to pass into law without his signature.
Earlier this month, the Vermont Legislature became the first in the nation to approve a recreational marijuana legalization bill.
Eight states — Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington — and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana following a voter referendum, but no state yet has legalized marijuana solely through the legislative process, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Legalization advocates said bills were pending in other state legislatures.
Scott said he’s willing to work with the Legislature to make changes. He suggested the regulation commission should have more non-politicians on it, such as scientists, and should be given at least a year to make its recommendations.
Scott said he generally views marijuana with a “libertarian lens,” but felt the bill before him didn’t do enough to protect Vermonters from the potential harm of marijuana.
“Many Vermonters have strong opinions on the issue and do not hesitate to voice them,” Scott said. He estimated public opinion is evenly split on the issue.
A New York Timeseditorial urged Scott to sign the bill Wednesday.
Scott has said he wanted a roadside test to measure THC-impaired driving, which does not yet exist, but acknowledged that legalization efforts in neighboring states and Canada would put pressure on Vermont.
“I’m not philosophically opposed to it, but I do believe that there needs to be — highway safety has to be kept in mind. I believe the children should be protected from edibles,” Scott said at a May 17 news conference. “I’m not sure the time is right now.”
credit:usatoday.com
