Vermont Rec Bill Ready to Go

Lawmakers behind an effort to legalize recreational cannabis in Vermont via the legislature have crossed their T’s and dotted their I’s.

A bipartisan measure has been drafted and is ready to be introduced as soon as the 2016 legislative session begins. The proposal would allow for up to 86 storefronts – or about six per county – and five different business license types, according to the Times Argus.

Other highlights:

• Edibles would be prohibited.
• Residency would be required to own a rec business.
• Taxes and fees have yet to be established; that will be up to a state Senate committee.
• Commercial growers would be limited to 40,000 square feet.
• Vermont residents could purchase up to an ounce at a time; nonresidents could buy up to a quarter ounce.
• Up to 42 cannabis lounges would be permitted for the sale and consumption of marijuana. Lounges would be allowed to sell up to a quarter ounce per customer.
• Other permits would include transporters and topical producers.

Vermont state Senate President Pro Tem John Campbell told the paper he wants to fast-track the bill. If it can’t be passed within a few weeks, then the legislature should “pass this off” to focus on other issues, he added.

The 2016 session convenes Jan. 5, so it’s possible that Vermont could become the first state to legalize rec next year before February even begins.