MONTPELIER, VT – Today the Vermont State Senate added the language from the bill to tax and regulate cannabis as we do alcohol, S.241, to H.858 and sent it back to the House. This move comes as Senate leaders are frustrated that the House has failed to pass S.241. After the Senate acted Sen. Zuckerman, a long-time leader for cannabis reform in Montpelier issued the following statement.
“I hope Speaker Smith and the members of the House recognize the majority of Vermonters support this legislation and I urge them to address this issue before the end of the session. It is clear prohibition has not worked to curb use. Teens have virtually unfettered access to cannabis, which is of unknown quality and concentration. It is clear from other states that a regulated system does not result in chaos, but instead creates a regulated environment much like we have to alcohol and tobacco. Vermont has an estimated illicit economy related to cannabis of $150 million a year. With a robust regulatory system we can foresee revenue streams for education, prevention and treatment. We can also have consumer safeguards and boost to our rural economy. It is time to act on cannabis reform.”
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