On January 22, 2018, Gov. Phil Scott signed H. 511, a bill legalizing possession and limited cultivation of marijuana by adults 21 and older. The bill received final passage in the House on January 4 and in the Senate on January 10, 2018. It takes effect on July 1. Although eight other states have legalized marijuana by ballot initiative, this is the first time any state legislature has ended marijuana prohibition through the legislative process rather than by a vote of the people!

Now that this bill has been signed into law, advocates will continue the push for a sensibly regulated system for marijuana production and sale. A study commission on marijuana legalization and regulation has been meeting since early fall, pursuant to an executive order the governor signed on September 7, 2017. The commission includes three subcommittees, which are tasked with looking at one of three specific issue areas: roadway safety, education and prevention, and taxation and regulation.

Thanks to all of you who contacted your representatives and helped build support for this historic reform!