A bill under consideration in the House of Representatives would allow Vermont cities and towns to classify marijuana odor as a "public nuisance," a ticketable offense.
"I feel, as a non-marijuana user, that I should not have somebody else's use impact my life," said South Burlington Police Chief Trevor Whipple, who spoke in favor of the bill Thursday at the House Committee on Government Operations.
Whipple acknowledged that he has never received a complaint about odor from medical marijuana, which has been legal in Vermont since 2004, nor does his department receive many complaints about cigarette smoke.
"Arguably, it's a stronger odor than cigarette smoke," said Rep. Jim Harrison, R-Chittenden.
The state's adult-use marijuana law, which takes effect in July, prohibits people from consuming marijuana in public places, including streets, sidewalks and hotels.
H. 819, which was introduced at the request of officials in St. Johnsbury, would give cities and towns additional authority to handle complaints about marijuana consumption on private property.
Top image: © belyay | Adobe Stock
