Vermont Public is independent, community-supported media, serving Vermont with trusted, relevant and essential information. We share stories that bring people together, from every corner of our region. New to Vermont Public? Start here.

© 2024 Vermont Public | 365 Troy Ave. Colchester, VT 05446

Public Files:
WVTI · WOXM · WVBA · WVNK · WVTQ · WVTX
WVPR · WRVT · WOXR · WNCH · WVPA
WVPS · WVXR · WETK · WVTB · WVER
WVER-FM · WVLR-FM · WBTN-FM

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@vermontpublic.org or call 802-655-9451.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Explore our coverage of government and politics.

Marijuana Commission's Final Report Charts Path To Retail Pot Sales In Vermont

Marijuana plants.
gaspr13
/
iStock
The final report from the Governor's Marijuana Advisory Commission was issued this week.

The Governor’s Marijuana Advisory Commission has issued its final report.

The group was tasked with studying the implications of legalized retail marijuana sales and how the state might transition to a system of taxing and regulating its sale.

The report suggests a 20 percent excise tax be levied on retail marijuana sales, on top of the existing 6 percent sales tax.

And the commission recommends that 5 percent of the revenue from the excise tax be distributed among all Vermont towns, with those towns with retail establishments receiving an additional 10 percent. The tax would also be used to pay for state costs related to a legalized marijuana market.  

Read the full report here.

Among the commission’s recommendations are a number addressing public health and safety concerns, as well as use by young people, should the state establish a retail market.

The commission also recommends that Vermont spend $1 million annually for at least 15 years to study the health effects of cannabis use.

In a regulated market, the report says, the state should allow only those age 21 and older to purchase marijuana. It also suggests limiting the number and type of retail outlets selling it.

Additionally, the commission recommends licensing requirements and fees for those who sell, grow, process, transport and test marijuana, and the creation of a board of control to oversee the industry.

More from Vermont Edition: What Is The Future Of Marijuana Laws In Vermont? [Dec. 13]

According to the report, the commission was divided on two important issues: whether to permit retail sales of marijuana edibles and whether communities should be able to opt out of hosting a retail store. As a result, the report contains no recommendations on those questions.

Since July 1, 2018, recreational use of marijuana has been legal in Vermont. The law allows people age 21 and older to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and also two mature and four immature plants per household.

Steve has been with VPR since 1994, first serving as host of VPR’s public affairs program and then as a reporter, based in Central Vermont. Many VPR listeners recognize Steve for his special reports from Iran, providing a glimpse of this country that is usually hidden from the rest of the world. Prior to working with VPR, Steve served as program director for WNCS for 17 years, and also worked as news director for WCVR in Randolph. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Steve also worked for stations in Phoenix and Tucson before moving to Vermont in 1972. Steve has been honored multiple times with national and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for his VPR reporting, including a 2011 win for best documentary for his report, Afghanistan's Other War.
Latest Stories