GOP Gov Phil Scott Allows Medical Marijuana Expansion In Vermont Without His Signature, Suggests Additional Guardrails
Gov. Phil Scott (R) has allowed medical cannabis program expansion to become law without his signature, reported Vermont Public.
“When cannabis became legal in Vermont, I emphasized safeguards around use, especially for our kids,” Scott wrote in a letter to the General Assembly. “This bill takes some steps forward, and some steps back, in this area.”
“On the positive side, it closes a loophole related to hemp-infused products with THC,” the Governor continued.”It ensures individuals with significant, documented medical needs continue to have access to medical cannabis. It makes progress toward safeguards for those under 21 seeking access to more potent medical products. And it’s responsive to municipal concerns regarding setbacks for outdoor cannabis cultivators.”
What happened: Under the new law, H.612, sponsored by state Reps. Michael McCarthy (D) and Matthew Birong (D) among other changes, existing retail cannabis stores are allowed to qualify for a license to sell to medical patients who can access higher-potency products without a sales tax.
Vermont lawmakers initially legalized medical marijuana twenty years ago. Legislators depenalized adult-use cannabis possession in …