"Cannabis criminalization is a cornerstone of the war on drugs. People of color are arrested at far higher rates for marijuana possession than white people, and that’s not due to any difference in usage. That’s just due to a racist policy," said Jared Moffat, MPP's campaigns coordinator.

"Nearly four years after Mainers approved marijuana legalization at the ballot box, the will of the people will finally be effectuated," said Matthew Schweich, MPP's deputy director.

“The significance of Vermont’s decision to legalize and regulate cannabis sales, especially in a state with a Republican governor and through the legislative process, cannot be overstated," said Steven Hawkins, executive director at the Marijuana Policy Project.

"The news, which sets the stage for yet more growth of the U.S. cannabis industry, was hailed by the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) as a major victory, especially considering that Vermont is only the second state in the nation to legalize adult use via the legislature and not at the ballot box."

"The significance of Vermont’s decision to legalize and regulate cannabis sales, especially in a state with a Republican governor and through the legislative process, cannot be overstated. The fact that Vermont accomplished this through the legislative process is also incredibly important because it shows that representative, democratic government is up to this challenge and is proving responsive to average citizens," said Steve Hawkins, MPP's executive director.

"This victory represents the product of more than five years of study, public hearings, difficult conversations, and hard work by legislators and advocates. Vermonters overwhelmingly support legalizing and regulating cannabis sales, and one by one their elected officials have joined the chorus of support. Vermont should be commended for the thoughtful process that resulted in the bill’s passage, and lawmakers in other states should strive to emulate Vermont’s successful example, " said Matt Simon, MPP's New England political director.

"We’ve seen this complete evolution in thinking. New Jersey is one of the bluest states in the nation and South Dakota is one of the reddest — and they both have ballot initiatives in November," said Steve Hawkins, MPP's executive director.

Marijuana Policy Project Executive Director Steven Hawkins walks Geoff and Jonathan through what cannabis policies are on the ballot in the 2020 election. Steven also shares his insight on developing trends in cannabis policy.

Don Murphy, director of federal policies at the Marijuana Policy Project, illustrates that actions on cannabis speak louder than words. “It's no longer good enough to say, ‘Yes, I support that,’” he says. “Really, how would I know? I don't see your name on the sponsor line.”

At a campaign stop in New Hampshire in February, Biden responded to a query by marijuana legalization advocate Don Murphy of the Marijuana Policy Project by saying, "I think it is at the point where it has to be, basically, legalized," POLITICO reported, quoting from a recording of Biden's remarks.