Legalizing Marijuana Comes With Complications
- Details
- Created on Monday, 03 December 2012 18:58
- Written by Alyssa Sylvia
LYNDON - Marijuana could be decriminalized on the state level, but there is still debate about whether or not to include medical dispensaries in Lyndonville.
Governor Peter Shumlin believes that marijuana will be decriminalized, but that's only on the federal level. How can that happen when those in charge in Lyndonville are debating whether or not to include a medical dispensary in town?
"The governor can do or say, or the legislature can decriminalize it so that it doesn't become a felony, just a misdemeanor," explains Lyndon Town Manager Dan Hill, "But, it's still against the law to do this. So then it comes down to, it's a case of how much are we going to enforce? Are we just gonna turn away and ignore a law that's in place, and let it happen? Or are we going to enforce it, which is kind of counter to the whole idea of having a dispensary."
Outside of issues of cost and effectiveness of dispensaries, the larger issue is that putting up a dispensary in town would still leave questions as to what marijuana policies should be on the state level. Select board member David Dill explains, "Let's step back and look at the big picture here. I mean, my problem with marijuana, whether it's medical marijuana or decriminalized marijuana is the fact that it's in conflict with federal law. I mean my issue is that they need to be compatible. If we legitimize marijuana in one way or another, as other states have done, does that invite a federal crackdown of some kind. I mean whether you're for it or against it, I think most people would agree that it would be nice if both the federal and state positions were compatible."
As long as marijuana is prohibited on a state level, it will be tricky for local officials to support the addition of a dispensary in town. The next select board meeting will be Monday, where trustees and select board members will further discuss the issues.
