Vermont Judiciary Committee passes medical marijuana bill

Vermont Judiciary Committee passes medical marijuana improvement bill!

In a 4-1 vote this morning, the Vermont Judiciary Committee passed S.7, a bill that will improve the current medical marijuana law. After this inspiring victory, the bill is now headed to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. Thank you to everyone who took a moment to write and call the Judiciary Committee members. If you have not already done so, please contact your state senator now and urge him or her to vote in favor of S.7. You can use our automated system to send your senator a letter; it takes only a couple moments.

The version of the bill approved by the Judiciary Committee will add chronic conditions that cause severe pain, nausea, wasting, or seizures to the list of conditions for which patients may use medical marijuana. This will allow many seriously ill Vermonters who do not currently qualify under the law to get the protection they need. Additionally, this legislation will increase the number of plants that registered patients are allowed to grow to four mature plants and 10 immature plants. It will also increase the amount of usable marijuana patients are allowed to possess to 2 ounces.

A great way to build on the momentum of this victory is to write a letter to the editor of your local papers, expressing your support for the committee’s action and your hope that lawmakers will support this compassionate legislation. Our automated system will easily allow you to send a letter to newspapers in Vermont. Feel free to draw from the talking points that we have provided, but remember that a personalized letter is more likely to be published than a form letter. Please send a letter today.

Clearing the Senate Judiciary Committee was a major hurdle. In order to ensure that the Senate Health and Welfare Committee also approves S.7, they need to hear from Vermont patients and medical experts. If you are a patient or medical expert and are willing to testify before the committee, please contact me by e-mailing [email protected]?or calling (202) 462-5747 ext. 119.

This victory demonstrates significant progress for medical marijuana in Vermont. We will continue to keep you updated as this legislation moves through the legislature.