On Jan. 7, 2016, during his final state of the state address, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin announced his support for the legalization of recreational marijuana. Shumlin criticized the war on drugs, calling it “outdated†and “failed,†and stressed the need to end black market marijuana sales.
“These illegal dealers couldn’t care less how young their customers are or what’s in the product they sell, or what illegal drugs you buy from their stash, much less whether they pay taxes on their earnings,†Shumlin said to the legislature.
Shumlin also laid out the five key components that a theoretical legalization bill would have to have in order for him to sign it. Those components are:
A better system to keep marijuana out of the hands of minors.
A low enough tax on marijuana to eliminate the black market.
Tax revenue would go solely towards expanding addiction programs.
Improve law enforcement’s ability to accurately detect drugged drivers.
Ban the sales of edible marijuana products until a better system is devised.
According to WPTZ, public hearings on legalization are scheduled to take place around Vermont, starting Jan. 18, 2016.
FDW
