VT Retail Cannabis Bill Heads To Scott For Signature
House and Senate lawmakers approved the bill to tax and regulate retail marijuana
The bill that would tax and regulate recreational marijuana in Vermont only needs the Gov. Phil Scott’s signature to become law.
The governor has said he wanted police to be able to administer roadside saliva testing. This bill provides for something different. Police would have to get a warrant for testing. If a new, reliable, rapid testing method becomes available, this bill leaves the door open to that.
Municipalities would have to opt in, so cities and towns that don’t want cannabis stores wouldn’t have to have them.
The governor has not indicated whether or not he plans to sign the bill, but he acknowledges the legislature has been willing to work with him.
“It appears that they’ve come a long ways and they’re really tried to meet my concerns and I appreciate that from the legislature,” said Gov. Scott.
The bill would include a 20% tax. That would be made up of a 14% excise tax and 6% sales tax. Money from the sales tax would fund after-school and learning programs focusing on underserved areas. Up to $10 million of cannabis tax revenue would go toward substance misuse prevention programs. Municipalities would get money from local licensing fees.
People under 21 years old not be allowed into cannabis stores.
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