Marijuana in Vt.: Coming to a shop near you

MIDDLEBURY | Welcome to the new age of legalized, recreational marijuana in Vermont. In case you haven't heard, the popular "in" psychoactive drug is now better known by its botanical genus name, cannabis. The word marijuana is being dropped in Vermont, at least according to the text of S.54, which is now Act 164. But does a legal name change alter the drug's history of abuse or some parents' memories of it once having been deemed a "gateway drug" by the now unwinnable War on Drugs program? According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the marijuana or Cannabis sativa plant remains classified as a mind-altering (psychoactive) drug. "Marijuana contains over 480 constituents. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is believed to be the main ingredient that produces the psychoactive effect," the DEA reports online. The Senate cannabis bill, which became law on Oct. 7 without the signature of Gov. Phil Scott, has changed the word "marijuana" to "cannabis" throughout all Vermont statutes. The original word spelling "marihuana" originated in Mexican Spanish, but a rose is still a rose, and a "pre-roll" will still smell just as sweet, at least to most pro-cannabis activists and users — and they are legion here in the Green Mountain State. Now Middlebury residents who have a hankering for the weed have an opportunity to approve early cannabis stores in town by signing a petition being presented by David Silberman, a 2020 candidate for the office of the high bailiff. Silberman greeted voters on Nov. 3 outside the Middlebury Recreation Center polling station, located on Creek Road, to gather the required 300 signatures. The signatures are needed in order to get a marijuana store ballot item approved in the Addison County shire town on Town Meeting Day 2021. Silberman has already informed the Middlebury Selectboad that he is collecting legal resident signatures to move ahead with the idea. "Cannabis stores will be good for Middlebury's tax base," Silberman told The Eagle. "It's good for downtown, too. The local option tax will reap 1% for the town." Silberman said the issue is getting more than bipartisan support with Democrats, Progressives, libertarians, and even a few Republicans signing the petition. He told The Eagle that there are considerable data showing legal cannabis sales reduce local crime as well as improve property values. Silberman is optimistic that the petition will garner the needed signatures to advance it to Town Meeting Day. Act 164 requires a Vermont Cannabis Control Board which is an independent commission within the executive branch. The board will eventually regulate and license both adult-use recreational marijuana businesses and medical pot dispensaries. The governor is supposed to submit a list of names to a nominating committee — composed of members appointed by the Senate, House, and governor. The new committee will determine which candidates are well qualified, and the governor will appoint a chairperson and two additional members from that list. All members will require confirmation by the Vermont Senate. Regarding the potency of Vermont marijuana, According to the text of the law, the cannabis flower cannot exceed 30% THC (the psychoactive chemical in marijuana). Solid concentrates may not exceed 60%. Oils — apart from cartridges for vape pens — will not be allowed. A single package cannot exceed 50 milligrams of THC, other than non-consumable products, such as topical salves, and medical cannabis. The restrictions will not apply to medical cannabis or home cultivation. Servings will be limited to five milligrams of THC and the number of servings must be listed by law.

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Marijuana in Vt.: Coming to a shop near you

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