The legalization of recreational marijuana has been approved by Vermont's lawmaking body. The approval of the said State will form part of history, making Vermont as the first U.S. State to have approved recreational marijuana use through its legislatures.
The bill that was passed by Vermont House of Representatives Wednesday after the approval from the state Senate was achieved will make growing and possession of weed legal. However, an age limit has been prescribed together with amount restrictions.
"Vermont lawmakers made history today. The legislature has taken a crucial step toward ending the failed policy of marijuana prohibition," TIME quoted New England political director for the Marijuana Policy Project Matt Simon as saying.
However, there is still no assurance that by 2018, implementation of the bill will commence. Vermont Gov. Phil Scott may still veto the bill approved by the law-making body. As of the current writing, the Scott said that the bill is not "a priority for Vermont" and has not made a final decision as to whether he will sign it, according to The Hill.
If indeed signed into law by Vermont Governor, the State would then have to establish a system that would regulate the sales and production of cannabis. A study commission would have to be created to develop further the bill and its implementation.
Currently, 26 states and the District of Columbia have laws generally legalizing marijuana in some form. There are some states that have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
In some cases, lieu way is being given to certain medical conditions as part of medical marijuana laws. Several states have even narrowed down the limitations of possessing a cannabis when they are suffering from certain rare medical illnesses.
One of the main reasons why legalization of recreational use of weed is the fear of abuse. Some lawmakers and experts in the U.S. believe that such substance is a gateway drug, which could lead to other forms of addictions.
Watch here below the side-effects of weed: