Editor’s note: This commentary is by Rep. Kiah Morris, a Democrat who represents Bennington in the Vermont House of Representatives.
[T]uesday, the House debated, discussed and voted on several measures related to cannabis legalization. The reasons on both sides of the argument are strong and thought-provoking. As the debate continues, the question of the “will of the people” is often used to press the argument in support of legalization.
The question seems simple, so simple, that some legislators felt this question should be posed on a ballot without opportunity for voters to specify which components of current proposals they actually desire to see enacted. However, focusing only on the majority of respondents to a specific survey or the loudest voices at the table ignores the significant numbers that are unsure of where they stand on the actual legalization issue. Further, focusing on the simple question of an up or down vote does not reflect the complexity of how legalization would be implemented.
As I considered the bills and amendments presented — which included everything from full legalization to decriminalization of possession to home growing — I had to ask:
• Are Vermonters comfortable with a commercial cannabis retail market?
• Are Vermonters comfortable with their families, friends and neighbors growing cannabis on their properties?
• Are Vermonters confident that youth access and exposure to cannabis will be reduced through proposed measures to legalize or decriminalize cannabis?
• Do Vermonters feel confident that we have the systems and resources in place to fully support substance abuse treatment and recovery for those who need and desire it?
When legislators and voters make decisions on issues of this magnitude, understand that we also have to take responsibility for caring for the most vulnerable in our state who have the most to lose from our missteps – our youth.
• Do Vermonters have concerns about the black market influencing border towns near major metropolitan centers, if legalization or decriminalization of home growth were to pass?
Given the limited time and resources we have spent to date analyzing the impacts of the bill on Vermont, I am not comfortable with the answers I have today and do not feel that the original Senate bill was the right step for Bennington. We did take greater steps forward in supporting Vermonters who need access to medicinal cannabis by shortening the wait time needed with medical consultation for certain conditions and supporting those eligible with medically determined chronic pain to pursue eligibility in the program.
The arguments to further decriminalize possession and cultivation are important from a social justice perspective, but come with a significant risk and potential cost – and the ones most affected will be Bennington’s youth.
As a substance abuse professional, I understand the cycle of substance use and abuse. Any legal measures I place my name on must ensure the protection of Bennington’s kids from use, exposure, modelling, and messaging to the best of our abilities. These measures were not fully present in the bill we debated today.
To be clear, substance abuse prevention measures do not promote total prohibition, rather the goal is to delay the first time a youth tries alcohol, tobacco or drugs. These are not Pollyanna efforts that assume some youth are not using or will not use before adulthood simply because of a program or marketing campaign. Statewide, we have actually seen a steady decline in youth marijuana use since the 1990s. [Youth Risk Behavoir Survey] Adolescent use will only decline when Bennington’s youth live in an environment that sends a clear message about why delay is so important to their health and that they are supported in all parts of their community in resisting use.
This weekend, Bennington will celebrate Youth Appreciation Day. This day came into being in response to the low number Vermont youth who feel they matter to our communities. As a legislator, I constantly question, what effect with this law have on our youth? Do our laws consider their needs? Do we see them as constituents with a voice or just members of our community that are merely affected by our decisions?
When legislators and voters make decisions on issues of this magnitude, understand that we also have to take responsibility for caring for the most vulnerable in our state who have the most to lose from our missteps – our youth. It is worth it to take the time — years if need be — to move this legislation forward and get it right for all Vermonters.
