Advocates Gather For Cannabis In The Capitol

Cannabis advocates gather at the Statehouse to push for a bill allowing commercial sale of cannabis products. 

In an effort to promote fair, just, equitable legislation to regulate Vermont’s thriving illicit cannabis market, Marijuana Policy Project, Heady Vermont, and a broad coalition of Republican, Democratic, Progressive, and Independent Representatives and Senators, and advocates from across the state will gather at the Statehouse on Thursday, January 9, for the annual cannabis advocacy day Cannabis In The Capitol.  

The day will begin at 8:00 for a meet-and-greet breakfast in the Statehouse Cafeteria, where legislators and their constituents will discuss the benefits of socially just regulation, and highlight the economic development opportunities inherent in and around the cannabis industry – from growing and making to ancillary services such as security, testing, product tracking, insurance, banking, and canna-tourism.

“This event will bring together the diverse voices behind the legalization movement to talk with legislators about how to do this the Vermont way: centering social and economic justice, and empowering Vermonters to create the next great craft industry.”

At 11am, legislators and advocates will hold a press conference in the Cedar Creek Room.  Speaking at the event will be Bennington State Senator Dick Sears and Bradford State Representative Sarah Copeland-Hanzas, who have both been instrumental developing Vermont’s cannabis policies and legislation, and Matt Simon, Marijuana Policy Project New England Political Director. 

“Nearly 18 months after legalizing personal possession and home cultivation of cannabis, Vermonters across the political spectrum agree that now is the time for the state to take the next step and regulate the plant’s commercial cultivation and sale, as 10 other states have already done,” says Middlebury attorney and pro bono drug policy reform advocate Dave Silberman.  

“This event,” he adds, “will bring together the diverse voices behind the legalization movement to talk with legislators about how to do this the Vermont way: centering social and economic justice, and empowering Vermonters to create the next great craft industry.”

For more information and to RSVP, visit the Facebook event page.