Support Vermont bill to reduce marijuana penalties on Friday

On Friday, February 1, the Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee will hear testimony from law enforcement officials against S.238, a bill that would reduce marijuana penalties. This will be opponents' chance to display "shock and awe" tactics to scare state senators away from sensible marijuana law reform.

We need to fill the room with supporters to lessen the impact of the law enforcement officials' testimony. Please attend this hearing to show your senators that Vermonters do support thoughtful reform. Furthermore, if you would like to help organize supporters on Friday morning, have questions, or would like additional information, please contact Zane Hurst by e-mailing Zane@mpp.org. If you are able to attend the hearing on Friday, please remember to dress and act professionally.

WHAT: Committee hearing on S.238
WHEN: Friday, February 1, 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Vermont Statehouse, Room 1

Although the committee will not hear additional testimony from supporters on Friday, it is important that we have as many supporters as possible there, so the committee can see the widespread support this bill has. Having supporters at the meeting will also help ensure that the media coverage of the hearing is balanced and not slanted in favor of the opponents.

On January 23, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony from more than 20 people on the issue of reducing marijuana penalties. You can read some of the news coverage on the hearing here and here. But we have to keep this momentum going! Please come show your support for reducing marijuana penalties on Friday.

Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. Please pass this alert on to your friends, family, and e-mail lists in Vermont so that others can attend the hearing in Montpelier on Friday.