‘More Work Is Needed’ Says Gov. Phil Scott After Vermont Legalizes Recreational Cannabis

It’s official! Two years post the legalization of cannabis, Vermont now has a future in recreational retail, but not with it’s own

The previously vetoed S.54 (Act 164) is now law after Gov. Phil Scott (R) said he would allow the latest bill to become law without his signature. The road towards recreational cannabis in Vermont was a long haul after post-legalization resulted in a bicameral committee created to iron out hang-ups between the House and Senate. After compromise, the approved legislature now hopes to include funding towards education and prevention measures with minors, and swab tests to minimize driving under the influence. An initial win for the state, Gov. Scott, emphasizes the need for more work towards implementation.

“This new bill requires cities and towns to authorize these businesses before retail establishments may open. It ensures that local zoning applies to cannabis cultivation and production. It dedicates 30% of the excise tax, up to $10 million per year, to education and prevention efforts. And the sales and use tax on cannabis would fund a grant program to expand afterschool and summer learning programs,” In a letter to the legislature, Gov. Scott also highlighted the opportunity for an equitable playing field for minority and female business owners.

Highlighting the enacted expungement provisions for S.54, like increasing limits on the personal possession and cultivation of marijuana, Gov. Scott emphasized the need for economic justice. “... some of the additional supports the Legislature should consider include creating a social equity applicant category for cannabis establishment licenses; a 50 percent licensing fee waiver for these applicants; and additional technical and financial supports.” For perspective, the racial disparity in some parts of Vermont, like Windsor and Washington, Black people are estimated to be arrested for marijuana possession up to 13 times more likely than white people from the ALCU.

He concluded with, “Again, justice should be foundational to our work, not an add-on to be figured out secondary to commercial or other interests.”

Moving forward, its estimated cannabis shops to likely open in 2022. Congress will have to create a framework towards execution, starting with items to be addressed in January. Some of the agenda items that need to be addressed include the contradictory vaping measures, limiting the appeal of cannabis towards the youth, the 30% excise tax, and funding towards roadside testing towards impairment. The recommendations from Gov. Scott show a progressive mindset towards catering to all groups affected by future ramifications.

Gov. Scott concluded with, “Nevertheless, the Legislature has much more work to do to ensure equity in this new policy and to prevent their work from becoming a public health problem for current and future generations.”

Vermont is the 11th state to legalize recreational cannabis, joining states like California, Alaska, and Oregon. Additional states are expected after November’s election. From a political perspective, the Biden/Harris campaign has highlighted decriminalizing and legalizing cannabis on their presidential ticket. The acceptance of recreational marijuana from a Republican party member, like Gov. Phil Scott, shows conservatives’ swing becoming more open to the idea of legalization. This upcoming year’s election features five red states set to vote on cannabis related measures.

S.54 took effect on October 1.