The Vermont Department of Public Safety announced late last week that the department's Commissioner Keith Flynn is traveling to Colorado this week, along with eight other delegates, to study the effects of marijuana legalization in that state. According to the press release about the trip, the fact-finding team includes advocates who are for and against marijuana legalization in Vermont.
"Colorado was the first state to legalize marijuana, and we want to see the impacts of that law." Commissioner Flynn commented in the press release. "Legalization is being discussed in Vermont and we believe that an on the ground look at how it has been implemented will give us a unique insight into the issue. It is important to learn as much as we can about the regulation, the effects on communities, and any other information that will provide policymakers with as much information as possible when considering decision points around this issue."
The delegation will meet with Governor John Hickenlooper's staff, the U.S. Attorney in Denver, law enforcement agencies, schools, and drug treatment professionals; tour a marijuana growing facility; visit a marijuana store; and speak with the public.
"The people of Colorado will know best how this has impacted their lives," Flynn commented. "Whether it has or it hasn't, we can learn a lot from just listening to what people have to say."
According to the press release, the delegation includes:
Keith Flynn, Commissioner, Vermont Public Safety
TJ Donovan, Chittenden County State's Attorney
Bill Darrow, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Vermont.
Jake Perkinson, Counsel; Champlain Valley Dispensary.
Mary Alice McKenzie, Executive Director, Burlington Boys & Girls Club
David Mickenberg, Lobbyist, MPP
Bill Young, Executive Director , Maple Leaf Farm Treatment Facility.
Steve Benard, Sheriff, Rutland County, Vermont.
Paul Doucette, Chief of Police, Bennington , Vermont.
The trip is scheduled to end Wednesday, Feb. 11.
