The Vermont House of Representatives is considering legislation that would allow the state to take a critical next step in correcting the historic wrong of marijuana prohibition and mitigating the damage that has been done - especially in Vermont's most marginalized communities - under that policy.
The bill, H. 170, removes all penalties for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana and two mature (and four immature) plants; the legislation reduces penalties for possession above the legal limits.
As a result, it makes the criminal law regarding marijuana more consistent with the widely held view that simple marijuana possession poses almost no real threat to public safety.
Removing all penalties for what had been decriminalized, creating civil penalties for what had been the lowest level misdemeanors, and reversing the overly severe penalties for larger amounts: these are the right things to do.
I support David Schoales's independent candidacy for state senator for Windham County. I have known Schoales for more than 40 years, and I'd like to share with you my feelings about him, about his qualities and his accomplishments. Schoales was a strong union member when he worked at the...