Vermont Legislature passes S. 17!

Published: May 7, 2011

Victory in Vermont! The Senate has approved House amendments to S. 17, a bill to authorize up to four medical marijuana dispensaries in Vermont, sending it to Governor Peter Shumlin. Since he sponsored a similar bill in the Senate last year, he’s sure to sign it.

This vote is a big win for MPP and for patient advocates. We played an instrumental role in passing this legislation, including by funding a two-year lobbying effort and helping elect a governor who supports sensible marijuana policies. I was in Montpelier personally last month to help see S. 17 through. As you may have noticed, we recently added a slogan to our web heading – “We Change Laws.” Yesterday’s vote is exhibit A in just how effective MPP is at changing laws. Still, we can’t do it alone. Patient advocates also played a key role, as did members like you who contacted their legislators, spread the word, and donated to our efforts.

We’ll keep you posted as this law is implemented and dispensaries begin to open their doors to Vermont’s patients. Congratulations to all the advocates and patients in Vermont who helped make this possible!

Thanks again!