The very same week that the Trump Administration vowed to re-impose the mandatory minimum sentences that were the hallmark of our disastrous “War on Drugs” (in actuality, a war on people of color), the Vermont Legislature listened to the will of Vermonters, and passed Senate Bill 22, which would end state-level penalties for possession of one ounce of cannabis (aka marijuana) or growing two plants for personal use.
We can be justifiably proud of the majority of our Addison County delegation for voting for S.22 — thank you’s should be directed to both Senators Ayer and Bray, and to Representatives Baser, Conlon, Scheu, Sharpe, and Sheldon!  Only 4 of our 11-strong delegation remains stuck in the Nixon era.
The bill faces an uncertain fate on the desk of Governor Phil Scott, who has not said whether he will sign or veto the landmark legislation. I urge all of my friends and neighbors to join the hundreds of Vermonters who’ve already made their voices heard, and call Gov. Scott at 802-828-3333 to ask him to help end this crazy “war” by signing S.22 into law!
Dave Silberman
Middlebury