A push to legalize commercial cannabis sales in Vermont took another step forward on Wednesday, with the House Ways and Means Committee voting to advance a bill to license and tax cannabis businesses.
If the legislation, S. 54, becomes law, retail cannabis sales would begin in Vermont in the next two years, and tax revenue to the state could reach a projected $50 million by fiscal year 2024.
“Today’s vote is another clear indicator that S. 54 enjoys strong momentum in the House,” Matt Simon, New England political director for the advocacy group Marijuana Policy Project, told. “Vermonters are looking forward to seeing this bill become law in 2020 so the state can begin to reap the many benefits associated with sensible regulation of cannabis.”
The vote to advance the bill was 8–3.
The Vermont Legislature in 2018 legalized low-level cannabis possession and home cultivation, becoming the first U.S. state legislature to do so. But lawmakers at the time stopped short of allowing retail sales or licensing commercial businesses. The Senate approved a commercial cannabis sales measure last year, but it stalled in the House.
Read more at marijuanamoment.net
