Signed by Governor Phil Scott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes an individual 21 years of age or older to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana, effective July 1, 2018.

Highlights:

• Authorizes possession of no more than 1 ounce of marijuana, 2 mature marijuana plants, and 4 immature marijuana plants for an individual who is 21 or older (Sec. 4).

• Prohibits the consumption of marijuana in public and anywhere using a lighted tobacco product or substitute tobacco product (Sec. 4).

• Establishes new civil penalties, court diversion, and the Youth Substance Abuse Safety Program for 18- to 20-year-olds found in possession of marijuana and delinquency proceedings for those under the age of 18 (Sec. 4).

• Authorizes landlords to prohibit their tenants from possessing, consuming or cultivating marijuana on their property (Sec. 4).

• Prohibits more than 2 mature and 4 immature marijuana plants in any dwelling unit regardless of how many individuals aged 21 or older live there (Sec. 7).

• Requires marijuana plants to be secured in an enclosure and screened from public view (Sec. 7).

• Specifies that anyone aged 21 or older who knowingly enables the consumption of marijuana by an individual under the age of 21 may be subject to a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years (Sec. 8).

• Prohibits the manufacture of concentrated marijuana by chemical extraction using butane or hexane unless the individual or entity is authorized as a registered marijuana dispensary (Sec. 10).

• Prohibits being impaired by marijuana while driving, even if the impairment resulted from the consumption of second-hand marijuana smoke (Sec. 13).

• Establishes civil monetary penalties for consuming or having an open container of marijuana in a motor vehicle (Sec. 14).

• Specifies that an individual caught consuming marijuana in a vehicle while a minor is present will be subject to an additional fine of up to $500 for a 1st offense, $750 for a 2nd offense, and $1,000 for any subsequent offense (Sec. 15).

• Specifies that it is a misdemeanor to consume marijuana or tobacco in a licensed child care center while children are present, subject to a fine of up to $500 for a 1st offense, $750 for a 2nd offense, and $1,000 for any subsequent offense (Sec. 16).

Full Bill Text