Vermont becomes first state to legalize marijuana through legislature

In the US, nine states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational use of marijuana
CNN (US)
Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Vermont, the "Green Mountain State," has become the first state to legalize marijuana by passing a law in the legislature rather than by use of a ballot measure. Gov. Phil Scott signed H. 511 into law "with mixed emotions", allowing for the possession of recreational marijuana. Long one of the most liberal states in the country, Vermont legalized the use of medical marijuana in 2004 and recently decriminalized possession of a small amount. This is Vermont's second attempt at passing a marijuana bill in the past year. State lawmakers last spring passed a bill legalizing marijuana for recreational use. (See also: Vermont governor signs marijuana legalization bill | Vermont's legal recreational marijuana law: What you should know)