By Payton Guion | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Mathew Sumner | AP
Vermont just became the ninth state in the country to legalize cannabis, but it still claims a first in the legalization movement.
Gov. Phil Scott signed the bill on Monday, marking the first time a state has legalized weed through legislation. All other states that have legalized marijuana did so through a ballot initiative, meaning voters hit the polls and approved pot.
New Jersey lawmakers and cannabis advocates will surely be watching how this plays out in Vermont, as the Garden State is currently considering legalizing marijuana through legislation.
Vermont's weed bill
Now that Vermont's governor has signed the bill, it will be legal on July 1 for people in Vermont who are 21 years or older to have up to an ounce of marijuana and to grow four cannabis plants, two of which can be mature.
The state would keep its existing penalties for possession, cultivation and sales of larger amounts.
The bill does not create a taxed and regulated commercial market like has been done in other states, including California, which started allowing marijuana sales on Jan. 1. The situation in Vermont is similar how marijuana was legalized in Washington D.C.
There is hope from some that lawmakers will create a commercial system in the future.
"I hope this step leads us to tax and regulate," said Vermont Sen. Richard Sears, the Democratic chairman of the Judiciary Committee, according to the Burlington Free Press.
N.J. might not even be the second state to legalize weed through law
Vermont beat New Jersey to the punch in being the first state to legislate marijuana legalization, but another New England state could also get there before the Garden State.
New Hampshire's House of Representatives passed a legalization bill earlier this month that would allow people in the state to possess up to three-quarters of an ounce of pot and to grow up to three cannabis plants.
The bill is now with a committee in the state's House and it's unclear when it would reach the Senate, according to New Hampshire Public Radio.
If New Hampshire passes the bill as it's currently written, it would be like Vermont in that there would be no commercial cannabis market. It would be legal to have weed, grow it and use it -- in a private home -- but there wouldn't be anywhere to buy it.
New Jersey would be different than both states in that regard, should the Legislature legalize marijuana.
N.J. could still be first to legislate marijuana sales
While both Vermont and New Hampshire appear to be ahead on marijuana legalization via legislation, New Jersey looks like it would still be the first state to create a commercial cannabis market by law.
The bill that's currently up for debate, introduced last year by state Sen. Nicholas Scutari, regulates and taxes the marijuana market, along with allowing possession and private consumption.
Scutari's bill would create a state-run Division of Marijuana Enforcement responsible for licensing and regulating marijuana growers and retailers. Essentially, legalization in New Jersey would look more like it does in Colorado and California than in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Other states that have legalized marijuana
Colorado: Voters approved legal marijuana in 2012 and retail sales began in 2014.
Washington: Voters approved legalization in 2012 and recreational weed sales began in July of 2014.
Alaska: Alaskans voted to legalize in 2014, but retail stories didn't open until Oct. 29, 2016.
Oregon: Voters approved legalization in 2014. The first marijuana retail stores opened on Oct. 1, 2015.
Washington, D.C.: Capital voters approved cannabis in 2014, but the law is similar to Vermont's. Possession and cultivation are legal, but there is no commercial marijuana market.
Nevada: Voters in Nevada approved marijuana legalization in 2016. Retail shops started doing business on July 1, 2017.
Maine: Voters approved marijuana in 2016, but Maine doesn't have retail sales yet. Lawmakers could change that.
Richard Vogel | AP
California: Californians approved recreational weed in 2016 and retail sales began on Jan. 1 of this year.
Massachusetts: Voters approved legal weed in 2016 and retail sales are set to begin on July 1.
More weed links
- After Jeff Sessions' move against legal weed, what's next for N.J.?
- 2 N.J. towns just announced they want weed sales
- Weed goes legal in California. Here's how the program will work
- Marijuana use among N.J. youth lower than national average
- Here's what we know about N.J.'s weed legalization bill
- Marijuana legalization would force a tough choice for N.J. towns
- VOTE: Should N.J. legalize marijuana?
This story was originally posted on Jan. 12. On Monday, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed the bill legalizing marijuana. The story has been updated to reflect that change.
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Payton Guion may be reached at PGuion@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaytonGuion. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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