Vermont is as close as it has ever been to being the next state to legalize recreational marijuana use.

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WEBVTT REPORTER: FOR MORE THAN AN HOURREPRESENTATIVES ON BOTH SIDES OFTHIS ISSUE SPOKE OUT ABOUTSENATE BILL 22.BEFORE ULTIMATELY PASSING THEBILL 79-TO-66.>> YOU HAVE CONCURRED WITH THESENATE PROPOSAL OF AMENDMENT S22REPORTER: IN ONE, FINAL VOTE THEHOUSE AGREED TO LEGALIZEMARIJUANA STARTING NEXT YEAR.ALLOWING ADULTS TO HAVE UP TOONE OUNCE OF POT, AND GROW A FEWPLANTS AT HOME.THE COMPROMISE WORKED OUTBETWEEN THE HOUSE AND SENATE.>> CLEARLY WHAT WE'VE BEEN DOINGUP TO DATE HAS NOT WORKED>> THERE ARE TOO MANY UNANSWEREDQUESTIONS FOR US TO PASS THIS ATTHIS TIMEREPORTER: BEFORE THE VOTE,LAWMAKERS ON BOTH SIDES MADELAST MINUTE APPEALS WHAT WOULDIT MEAN FOR THE BLACK MARKET?OR HIGH WAY SAFETY?>> I WOULD BE HAPPY IF WE COULDGET TO THE POINT WHERE WE HAD AROADSIDE TEST AND SOMEBODYACTUALLY GOT CAUGHT. BUT WHEN WEARRIVE AT A SCENE, WHETHER IT BEFIRE OR EMS, IT'S TOO LATE ATHAT POINTREPORTER: THE LEGISLATURE ALSOAGREED TO SET UP A SPECIALCOMMISSION TO EXAMINE MOVINGTOWARDS A COLORADO-STYLEREGULATED MARKET FOR MARIJUANAAT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE BUT THE LEGISLATURE WOULD HAVETO APPROVE ANY FUTURE CHANGES.>> I WOULD CONTEND IT ISIRRESPONSIBLE TO NOT GET A

Advertisement Vermont lawmakers pass bill to legalize recreational marijuana Vermont is as close as it has ever been to being the next state to legalize recreational marijuana use. Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Vermont is as close as it has ever been to being the next state to legalize recreational marijuana use.The House voted 79-66 Wednesday afternoon to eliminate penalties for personal marijuana possession of one ounce or less.It allows for adults 21 years and older to have up to two mature marijuana plants and up to four immature plants.Public consumption and private sales would remain against the law.The law would go into effect in July 2018. It now goes to Gov. Phil Scott's desk for consideration.If signed by Scott, Vermont would become the first state to legalize recreational marijuana use via the Legislature.Before passing, lawmakers on both sides of the issue spoke out about the bill. “I would be happy if we could get to the point where we had a roadside test and somebody actually got caught. But when we arrive at a scene, whether it be fire or EMS, it’s too late at that point,” Rep. Don Turner said. “I would contend it is irresponsible to not get a handle on this issue,” Rep. Susan Buckholz said. The bill that passed would also create a commission to study and propose legislation to regulate and tax marijuana for personal use. If signed, additional legislation would be needed to further regulate marijuana use.Proponents of the bill said Vermont made history with the vote.Scott has not yet said if he will veto the measure. He said he has concerns about drivers under the influence of marijuana on Vermont's roads.“I'll take a look at the bill, but I've been pretty clear I'd like to see some improvements to ensure a structure in place to protect public safety in Vermont," Scott said.A separate version that was also under consideration would have created a Colorado-style marijuana free market.The bill passed on one of the last days of the legislative session for the year.The plan was almost not considered at all this legislative session. The Legislature had considered several bills for the past year, but was unable to agree on one to pass. Download the MyNBC5 app | Like MyNBC5 on Facebook