Vermont is now set to become the eighth medical marijuana dispensary state. Gov. Peter Shumlin (D) last Thursday signed into law a bill that will create a system of up to four explicitly authorized and state regulated dispensaries for medical marijuana patients.

[image:1 align:left caption:true] The bill, SB 17, passed the Vermont House last month on a 99-44 vote. This despite a threatening letter the day before sent to the governor and the legislative leadership by Vermont's US Attorney. The letter was similar to those received by state officials from US Attorneys in a number of states where dispensary legislation was being considered.

"The Department of Justice will carefully consider legal remedies against those who facilitate or operate marijuana dispensaries or marijuana distribution or production as contemplated by S. 17, should that measure become law," said US Attorney Tristam Coffin in the letter.

But unlike his gubernatorial counterparts in states, including Arizona, Rhode Island, and Washington, who have buckled after receiving such letters, Gov. Shumlin had the political courage to sign the bill.

Medical marijuana has been approved by voters in 16 states and the District of Columbia, but only half of those states explicitly allow dispensaries. The other seven states are Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Rhode Island.