Vermont Lawmakers Will Vote This Week on Legalizing Marijuana

By teleSUR

03 May 16

Bernie Sanders' home state could be the first to legalize the recreational use of marijuana with legislation, rather than a popular referendum.

ermont lawmakers are set to vote on a bill this week that would legalize the recreational use and growth of marijuana, potentially making it the first U.S. state to do so by way of legislation rather than a popular referendum.

Tom Angell, a leading drug reform activist with the campaign group Marijuana Majority, explained in an interview with teleSUR that the bill would "remove prohibitions on marijuana sales in the state," allowing "citizens to grow cannabis in their homes.”

So far, the states of Washington, Colorado, Oregon and Alaska have legalized recreational use of the plant, as has the District of Colombia, all by referendum.

On Monday night the Vermont House of Representatives added glaucoma and chronic pain as qualifying conditions under the state's existing medical marijuana law, but decided to push off a vote on recreational use until the next day.

“Nobody knows for sure how long it will take but the discussions taking place in the House are a significant step in the process of legalization in the United States,” said Angell.

Vermont House Speaker Shap Smith, who supports legalization, said he doubts the bill will pass in the House, however, saying “it’s not completely baked yet” and that he’d rather see advocates keep working to build support for another vote next year.