Elizabeth Murray

Free Press Staff Writer

WILLISTON – Following the legalization of marijuana use in Alaska, Oregon and Washington D.C. in the November election and in Colorado and Washington in 2012, Vermonters have begun similar conversations — and are split over the issue.

The Vermont legislature tasked Gov. Peter Shumlin's administration this year with studying the impacts on the state if marijuana were to be legalized. A hearing Wednesday, for which residents from at least a dozen areas of Vermont telecommuted and voiced their opinions, was one of the steps in drafting that study.

The complete study is being compiled by the Agency of Administration, led by Secretary Jeb Spaulding, in conjunction with the RAND Drug Policy Research Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit research center based in Santa Monica, Calif. Lawmakers are set to have the findings by Jan. 15.

Between 25 and 30 people gathered in Williston at its Vermont Interactive Technologies headquarters for the virtual statewide public meeting. Some who spoke cautioned state leaders about moving too quickly on the issue, while proponents of legalization spoke about what they saw as the benefits of marijuana.

Beau Kilmer, co-director of RAND, said at the meeting's beginning that his mission is laying out Vermont's options for legalization and their effects. He is not trying to make a recommendation to the state, he said.

"Marijuana is not a harmless substance, and there are serious health concerns," Kilmer said, adding that these concerns make marijuana legalization controversial. "There are dependence issues. Marijuana dependence is not the same as heroin dependence as far as the social costs, but this is a real issue that does affect some people."

At the same time, Kilmer said there are many benefits, including the minimization of those who would have criminal records due to marijuana possession and the potential for state revenue collection.

"The one thing you have to keep in mind is that even though you have all these state changes, this is all still illegal at the federal level," Kilmer added.

Kilmer and Spaulding explained that comments made by residents during the hearing would be factored into the final report. Those who want to testify, but did not get a chance at Wednesday's meeting, can send letters to the Agency of Administration.

Bennington resident Charlie Murphy, one of the first to testify, said he has been using marijuana for about 42 years. He said it helped ease his anxiety as he began to go blind due to a disease later in life. He said marijuana helped him to better process what he was going through.

"There is such a thing as the responsible use of marijuana," Murphy said. "I self-regulate ... From my personal observation and from what's been shown, alcohol is much more of a detriment and a negative factor in how it affects society in the areas of health and behavior."

Debbie Ramsdell of Charlotte also said she supported marijuana legalization and better education around the substance use for Vermont youth.

"I think we have been dishonest with our children over the years," Ramsdell said. "We told them that marijuana would fry your brain. Then they get a little older and they try it and say, 'What's wrong with all of this?'"

Some who spoke said marijuana was not a "gateway drug," meaning that it would lead to the usage of more potent substances. However, Bill Pullman of Newark said that the current status of marijuana forces people to seek out illegal sources, which could expose them to the harder drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

Vermont decriminalized the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana in June 2013, though those under 21 are treated the same as if they were in possession of alcohol.

Several public officials spoke in opposition of marijuana legalization, including Rutland Mayor Christopher Louras. Louras is a member of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns Board of Directors.

"I'm here to say that it is the formal position of the League of Cities and Towns after seeing the input from the Vermont chiefs of police to formally oppose the legalization of marijuana in Vermont at this time," Louras said. "Citizens and policy makers, frankly, may want to delay any decisions on this issue until there is sufficient accurate data to make an informed decision."

Vergennes Police Chief George Merkel also cautioned lawmakers, saying that public safety could be at stake if it was legalized. Retired Vermont Superior Court Judge Ben Joseph echoed these concerns, saying strains of marijuana today are much stronger than they were in the past. Joseph said he thinks legalizing marijuana would lead to greater usage in the state, which could lead to more driving fatalities.

"We've made a great deal of progress in this state in curbing drunk driving, but we're inviting a real catastrophe if we legalize this drug and increase its use," Joseph said.

Contact Elizabeth Murray at 651-4835 or emurray@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LizMurraySMC.