On the last year of his term, Governor Peter Shumlin finally waved the white flag on the battle against drugs. Now, he has called on lawmakers to pass the legalization and regulation of marijuana in his final State of the State Address last week.
He also expressed that a health-based approach can best emphasize the drug policy by expanding treatment and overdose prevention programs. He also feels that this new take on the drug policy can help eliminate the misconception frequently associated between drug use and addiction.
Gov. Shumlin gave some emphasized inclusions that should be enacted if marijuana is legalized, such as a legal market for marijuana and other drugs that underage kids won’t be able to have access to. Other inclusions are taxing marijuana low enough to eradicate black market and illegal drug dealers, addiction prevention programs being the target of the marijuana industry revenue, and strengthened law enforcement capacity to improve the response to impaired drivers.
According to Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, Shumlin embodies the kind of leadership all leaders must possess. Though he feels surprised that such man in high office would openly promote and discuss his positive views on marijuana legalization, Nadelmann remains hopeful that others can follow Gov. Shumlin’s lead.
As Governor Peter Shumlin enter his last year in office, many are speculating that his vocal positivity on marijuana legalization means that he will make it his top priority for the upcoming legislative session.
With four states and Washington D.C. legalizing marijuana through voter initiatives, Vermont might make it as the first state to achieve this status through a legislative process.