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takyon [soylentnews.org] writes:

Vermont's Governor Phil Scott has vetoed a bill [vermont.gov] that would legalize recreational cannabis in the state, but says "there is a path forward on this issue" [npr.org]:

Vermont Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, said on Wednesday he was vetoing a bill to legalize marijuana, and sending it back to the legislature for changes. "We must get this right," Scott said in prepared remarks at a press conference today. "I think we need to move a little bit slower."

Though he said he views the issue "through a libertarian lens," Scott vetoed the bill due to concerns about detecting and penalizing impaired drivers, protecting children, and the role and makeup of a Marijuana Regulatory Commission. The governor said he is "not philosophically opposed" to legalization, "and I recognize there is a clear societal shift in that direction." He said he'll send recommended changes to the the Democratic-majority legislature, and that if they address his concerns, "there is a path forward on this issue."

Also at The Hill [thehill.com], NORML [norml.org], Reason [reason.com], The Washington Post [washingtonpost.com] (AP), and The Vermont Standard [thevermontstandard.com].

Previously: Vermont Legislature Passes Cannabis Legalisation Bill [soylentnews.org]

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