A Vermont commission formed to study the ramifications of legalizing recreational marijuana met for the first time and laid out challenges the state would face.
According to state officials, the Marijuana Advisory Committee won’t debate whether the state should legalize marijuana, but rather will determine the practical challenges associated with adult use, including the best way to regulate and tax a recreational industry, any public health concerns and highway safety.
The commission must present a report to the governor by mid-January with its findings. Then, by December 2018, the panel is expected to present proposals to the governor for a system to regulate an adult-use market, including a “revenue system.”
Earlier this year, Vermont became the first state to approve recreational marijuana through its legislature, but Republican Gov. Phil Scott vetoed the legislation in May.
Scott said he wasn’t philosophically opposed to legalized marijuana but wanted answers to questions a commission could address.
The Vermont legislature is expected to reconsider legalizing marijuana when lawmakers return in January. It’s unclear how quickly any bill would advance.
– Associated Press
