On May 10, 2017, the Vermont House of Representatives made history when it voted to approve the Senate’s amendment to S. 22 and sent the bill to Gov. Phil Scott’s desk.

As amended, the bill would eliminate penalties for adults’ possession of one ounce or less of marijuana, two or fewer mature plants, and four or fewer immature plants, effective on July 1, 2018. S. 22 would also create a study commission to craft legislation on how to best regulate and tax marijuana in Vermont. The commission’s bill would have to be drafted in time for the beginning of next year’s legislative session.

If you live in Vermont, please call Gov. Scott’s office today and urge him to sign S. 22.

Since the House vote, the editorial boards of four Vermont newspapers have endorsed S. 22:

The Burlington Free Press wrote that “S. 22 puts Vermont on the right path” and said Gov. Scott “should sign the bill.

The Bennington Banner expressed its surprise that the bill was heading to the governor’s desk and wrote, hopefully, that “Perhaps the governor will surprise us as well.” 

The Addison County Independent described S. 22 as “brilliant” and “a very savvy bill Gov. Scott can sign.”

Last but not least, The Rutland Herald expressed its support for the legislative compromise and wrote that “For Scott to veto the bill would be a needless thumb in the eye of the Legislature.”