On Aug. 7, 2017, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott announced that he would soon convene a blue ribbon panel to study the effects of legalizing recreational marijuana.
According to Scott, the blue ribbon panel will not study the efficacy of legalization, but rather the public health and safety concerns surrounding the issue.
“For me it’s to address some of the issues that I had initially about highway safety: How do we work with our neighbors? How do we make sure that we’re protecting the most vulnerable and our kids?” Scott said, as quoted by Vermont Public Radio.
Scott went on to say that he plans on naming panel members in the coming days.
Scott had previously vetoed a legalization bill that was passed by the state legislature, citing public safety concerns. Although the bill was rewritten and passed by the state Senate, the measure was ultimately blocked by House leaders over procedural issues.
Despite the failure, the measure is expected to be taken up and passed when the legislature reconvenes in January 2018.