Walters: Scott Will Sign Cannabis Bill in Private | Off Message

Off Message

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Walters: Scott Will Sign Cannabis Bill in Private

Posted By on Thu, Jan 18, 2018 at 5:23 PM

click to enlarge Walters: Scott Will Sign Cannabis Bill in Private
File: Jeb Wallace-Brodeur
Gov. Phil Scott surrounded by lawmakers at his State of the State address earlier this month
Gov. Phil Scott confirmed Thursday that he will sign a bill legalizing personal cultivation and possession of marijuana — but he will not hold a signing ceremony.

The governor's chief counsel, Jaye Pershing Johnson, is currently reviewing the bill. Scott said that is the only remaining step in the process, and he expects to sign it in short order.

"It won't be a public signing, but I'll sign it," he said.

When asked why he would sign behind closed doors, Scott said, "There are many people on both sides of the fence. Some are very happy about it, and some are very displeased as well. I recognize that, and want to respect that some feel that this is not a momentous occasion."

Scott has until Monday to sign or veto the bill, or let it become law without his signature. The law would take effect on July 1.

Tags: , , , , ,

John Walters

John Walters was the political columnist for Seven Days from 2017-2019. A longtime journalist, he spent many years as a news anchor and host for public radio stations in Michigan and New Hampshire. He’s the author of Roads Less Traveled: Visionary New England Lives, published by Plaidswede Press...

About the Artist

Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

Bio:
Jeb Wallace-Brodeur was born and raised in Montpelier, Vt., and graduated from Middlebury College. A full-time photojournalist for more than 30 years, he's also a longtime ambassador for the... read more »