Jim McCullough – Vermont House, Chittenden-2

What, in your mind, is the ideal structure for a functional legal Tax and Regulate system? How would you work with other branches of government to create this kind of system?

Legislature will set the tax rate & work with the Dept. of Taxes for implementation. Likewise, we will work with the Dept. of Liquor Control to manage this newly regulated product. I feel they already have the model with their management of alcohol products.

How would you assess Vermont’s current medical marijuana program? How will you ensure that registered medical patients and caregivers have access to an abundance of high-quality cannabis products priced at or below market rates?
I know it has been difficult/impossible for some in need to get their GP to prescribe. Otherwise, I have no frame of reference to assess
How will you ensure that people who’ve been disproportionately affected by prohibition (such as convicts and People Of Color) will have an equal opportunity to participate in Vermont’s legal cannabis industry? In particular, how will you work for statewide expungement of convictions for possession?
Every year we work to insure People of Color get the same treatment under the law as Whites. We still have a long way to go. People who have “served their time” should be able to purchase. The nature of their crime will reasonably dictate if they can produce or market marijuana; likewise expungement.
How will you make sure that all Vermonters have equal access to joining the legal cannabis industry as small and startup businesses?
There will be Vermonters who will not have access possibly because of prior criminal convictions. The Dept. of Liquor Control currently has restrictions in place as to who may sell.
Do you think state can sustain both a medical and a recreational program – or would you combine cannabis regulations into one system?
I am concerned for our medical program’s continued existence. Huge investments have been made by those businesses. I can imagine, like other medicines, some will be rated for over the counter while others of differing strength and makeup must have prescriptions. This may play out for medical issues requiring specific types and strength of marijuana.
If tax-and-regulate is passed, how would you prefer to allocate cannabis revenues? To the general fund or to specific causes? If specific, please share any proposals.
Previous Senate versions of tax and regulate have dedicated all net revenue toward education and treatment for all types of addiction. I have fully supported all of the Senate’s versions to date.
Would you allow Vermont towns to enact temporary moratoriums or outright bans on legal cannabis businesses?
No.