Marijuana: Vermont Governor Open to Discussing Decriminalization, He Says
In an apparent change of attitude, Vermont Republican Gov. Jim Douglas said last week that he was open to discussing marijuana decriminalization. That stance is a shift from positions he took just a couple of months ago, when he had the state take temporary control of marijuana cases from Windsor County after the local prosecutor, Bobby Sands, was accused of having a policy of diverting marijuana cases because he thought it should be legalized.
But Sands, who claimed he had no blanket policy of diversion, is not alone in supporting decrim. Democratic Senate President Peter Shumlin has now floated a proposal to consider decriminalization. The cut-off level for diversion instead of court proceedings should be a half-ounce of weed, Shumlin suggested.
Responding to Shumlin's proposal at a January 3 press conference in Montpelier, Gov. Douglas said he was open to discussing the matter, but that he wasn't sure about a specific amount. He added that the state needs to maintain enforcement efforts against harder drugs and the misuse of prescription drugs.
Vermont arrested some 1,800 people for small-time marijuana possession last year, according to the state Department of Public Safety.
Gov. Douglas changes his mind again?
Comment posted by Anonymous on Fri, 01/11/2008 - 3:52pmBack when he was a legislator, our current Gov. Douglas supported limited legalization of mj. However as Governor he has been an adamant drug warrior similar to Gov. Dean before him. What does the Governor really believe? He keeps changing his mind and does not really seem committed to ending prohibition- just little baby steps that seem politically acceptable- despite the fact that the majority of Vermonters (if asked the right question) overwhelmingly support and end to prohibition- especially regarding cannabis.
As an active anti-prohibitionist since '67 and full time one in Vermont, I've held annual rallies in Burlington since '89, testified before HOuse and Senate Health & Welfare and Ag Cte's. and as founder/chair of the Vt. Grassroots Party from '92-2000 and as a candidate for Gov against Dean twice in the 90's, I was aware of how few legislators supported an end to prohibition. In fact a few years ago Burlington had a referendum about med mj and they had the largest turnout for any referendum in Burlington history and had the largest amount in support of med mj-82.5%. However, a poll showed that only 30% of Burlingtonians felt their neighbors viewed the issue the same as they did. Big disconnect because people are still in the closet about this issue. I doubt Douglas's latest support for limited decrim and see it more as a political maneuver to show he can work with some Democrats and Progressives on this issue.
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Comment posted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 7:41amThe drug handling business
Comment posted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 8:28amThe drug handling business seems to be continuing.but,The problem is who is handling this.
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This is a Good Sign
Comment posted by Anonymous on Fri, 01/11/2008 - 11:48amAlthough I'm surprised Vermont hasn't already decrim-ed cannabis. Dean was Governor there, but he seems to be a drug warrior, unfortunately.
Let's hope for the best in VT and the whole USA!