Vermont has become the ninth US state to legalise marijuana possession for recreational purposes - following the lead of California, Colorado and other states in need of a tax revenue boost.
Vermont -described by CNN as “one of the most liberal states in the country” - legalised the use of medical marijuana in 2004. The new law comes into effect on 1 July.
Article continues belowThe Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“With mixed emotions, I have signed H. 511 [House Bill 511],” Scott said in a statement addressed to the state’s General Assembly. “I personally believe that what adults do behind closed doors and on private property is their choice, so long as it does not negatively impact the health and safety of others, especially children.”
It is not clear when Vermont might pass a “tax-and-regulate bill” - a way for people to buy and sell the drug in a legal marijuana economy, HuffPost says.
California expects to generate up to $1bn (£710m) a year in new tax revenue after legalising the recreational use of cannabis from this month.