Vermont Lawmakers Make Key Compromises On Marijuana Sales Legalization Bill As Deal Nears

A bill to legalize marijuana sales in Vermont in nearing the finish line, with a bicameral conference committee meeting again on Friday to hash out the remaining differences between each chamber’s respective versions of the legislation. And on the same day, a separate Senate-passed bill providing for cannabis expungements advanced in the House.

Importantly, House members of the bicameral legal sales negotiation panel unveiled their counteroffer to a proposed compromise that the Senate side offered last month.

The last few conference meetings have largely focused on the economics of the cannabis commerce bill and how many tax dollars are projected to be allocated to various state programs and funds. Members have also debated policies such as which regulatory body should be responsible for overseeing the state’s existing medical marijuana program as well as reporting requirements for regulators charged with overseeing the industry.