Advertisement Vermont governor announces decision on marijuana legalization Scott says he'll either sign or veto, won't allow to become law without his signature Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Gov. Phil Scott will announce Wednesday whether he will sign -- or veto -- the historic piece of legislation now on his desk to legalize recreational marijuana in Vermont. Scott is still weighing what to do. At a visit to a job fair in South Burlington Tuesday, the GOP governor said he had not made a final decision. Over the weekend, he said, he read the text of S. 22 and found some "aspects" of his concerns related to highway safety and protecting kids had been addressed by lawmakers in the bill. The bill would legalize adult possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana, and permit cultivation of a couple of plants at home, starting in July, 2018. The legislation also sets up a new study commission to consider adoption of a fully regulated marijuana market, though it does not commit the state to proceeding with implementation. Scott said he has concerns about the composition of that commission. He said he would continue talking on Tuesday with counsel to "see what the best path is" for the state concerning a change in marijuana policy. "It's a struggle for me," Scott told NBC5. "The Libertarian roots and streak in me, or maybe Yankee independence. What people do behind closed doors in their homes is their business, as long as it doesn't have a detrimental effect on the innocent. So from that standpoint I struggle, but at the same time this is a big decision, a big policy decision for Vermont. I have to make sure we get it right." Wednesday is the deadline to act, as the pot bill will become law without his signature the following day. Asked if that were an attractive option, the governor said no. "It's not attractive to me," Scott said. "I mean it's an alternative I'd consider but the best path I think is to say you're either for or against it." Scott has scheduled a news conference at the Statehouse on Wednesday at noon. Live coverage can be seen on mynbc5.com and a portion will air on the NBC5 News at Noon. The governor's office has received hundreds of messages in recent days urging him to accept or reject the bill.