Vermont committee approves bill to eliminate jail for marijuana possession

On February 7, the Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that will eliminate the possibility of jail for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana. Instead, all first- and second-time offenders will be offered court diversion, which will allow them to clear the charge from their record. The full Vermont Senate is expected to vote on the bill sometime next week.

Here's how you can help pass this bill:

Contact your state senator now Please take a moment to urge your state senator to vote in favor of S.238. We have several prewritten letters available for you to use, but feel free to personalize your letter.

Write a letter to the editor It is very important that we continue the discussion on marijuana policy reform in the media. While passing this bill will be a positive reform, clearly there is more progress to be made. We need to make sure our legislators understand that their constituents don't want them to stop with this modest reform. If you would like talking points or other assistance with your letter, please e-mail Zane@mpp.org.

Encourage others to contact their senators Please forward this message to your friends, family, and e-mail lists in Vermont so they too can take action to help reform Vermont's marijuana laws.

You can read some of the media coverage on this legislation here and here. Although the committee significantly amended the bill, it will still be a positive step forward for marijuana policy reform in Vermont. Please urge your senators to support S.238. Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project.