Vermont, often a social trendsetter, has legalised recreational marijuana use through a vote of its state legislature — the first time a state gone through the normal law-making process to achieve this goal. Until now, the process has always involved the referendum process.
VERMONT LEGALIZES POT
"While this legislation decriminalizes, for adults 21 and older, personal possession of no more than 1 ounce, and cultivation of two mature plants on their private property, marijuana remains a controlled substance in Vermont and its sale is prohibited," the statement added.
"Also, consumption of marijuana in public places is prohibited. Consumption of marijuana by operators and passengers in a motor vehicle is prohibited. Schools, employers, municipalities and landlords are also empowered to adopt policies and ordinances further restricting the cultivation and use."
Use of recreational marijuana is now legal in 9 states and in Washington, D.C. — though it remains a Schedule 1 drug under Federal law.
Thank you, Vermont! This may finally set up the Constitutional confrontation needed to test the Federal mandate, since this is the first use of state process and legislation to make the jump (limited though it is)