https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2018/07/01/vermonts-legal-marijuana-era-dawns/742514002/
[For those Canadians east of Ontario who can't wait until October (or
whenever their province actually gets with the program, another option
to find legal recreational marijuana. Should make that conversation at
the U.S./Canada border interesting. CBSA to person entering Canada from
Vermont: have you ever used marijuana? If yes, you can't enter until
October. U.S. DHS to person entering Vermont from Canada: yes, we know
using marijuana is now legal in Vermont, but it's still a federal
offence, so if you have used marijuana, you can't enter the U.S.
links and images in online article (includes annoying autostart video)]
As of today, recreational use of marijuana is legal in Vermont -- within
boundaries of some clear and not-so-clear rules.
Vermont becomes the ninth state to legalize marijuana and the first
state to do so through its state legislature. Gov. Phil Scott signed the
law in January with "mixed emotions."
The law allows adults to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana, two mature
and four immature plants.
But authorities can't answer some questions and say clarity of the rules
will come with case law. Some examples include how police will enforce
the one-ounce marijuana limit when it comes to edibles, the boundaries
in public vs. private consumption and what exactly a secure pot garden
looks like.
There are some absolute rules, though, to be aware of if you partake in
the new law. Here's what you should not do:
Don'ts:
Don't smoke in a car:Both drivers and passengers are forbidden from
smoking. And the fines are steeper for anyone who smokes with a child in
the car.
Don't smoke on Lake Champlain: The lake is considered federal waters
under federal rule, which means marijuana is still illegal there.
Don't smoke on the beach, in a park, on the sidewalk or any other public
place: In the law, marijuana use is limited to "individual dwellings."
And before you smoke, you should find out what your employer's rules
are. The state may not punish you, but your workplace could. And if
you're looking for a job or expecting a drug test, you should know how
long THC can be detected in your system.
Growing marijuana comes with its own set of rules, including regulations
on where you can grow.
What's happening:
For many Sunday will be just another, albeit stiflingly hot, day.
“I’m not sure that we’re going to see a sea change here,” Gov. Phil
Scott said on Thursday during a discussion of the state's readiness for
legalization. “I think a lot of what I was reacting to was what’s
happening today so I’m not sure that we’re going to see anything
different come Monday than we were seeing yesterday. Well, except for
maybe Sunday.”
In Burlington, the growing supply store Green State Gardener on Pine
Street saw a steady stream of customers Sunday morning.
"We definitely have seen a ramp up in interest and very excited after
today to introduce this hobby, this therapeutic and recreational hobby
to a whole host of new people," said Kelsy Raap, general manager of
Green State Gardener.
Those for whom Sunday is a day to celebrate there are a few options:
* Heady Vermont, a marijuana advocacy group, is hosting a "Legalization
Celebration" at Willow Crossing Farm in Johnson today.
As of noon a few hundred people were inside the gates about an hour
after they opened, with most sticking to the shade.
Evidence of people smoking pot was low-key at the event, which had an
air of a large farmers market. There are vendors, classes and a camping
area. Organizers are providing free water and encouraging people to
visit a nearby river to cool down.
The Lamoille County sheriff said he had been meeting with Heady Vermont
co-founder Eli Harrington for three weeks. Authorities have no intention
of interfering with the party, just keep the roads safe as people arrive.
* The Original Green Mountain Cannabis and Music Festival is scheduled
from noon to 8 p.m. at Layla’s Riverside Lodge in West Dover. Badfish, a
Sublime tribute band, is headlining.
Both events require the purchase of tickets.
--
Darryl McMahon
Freelance Project Manager (sustainable systems)
