Vermont Governor Phil Scott took contrasting actions on drug policy, signing a bill to establish a psychedelics-assisted therapy working group while vetoing legislation that would have permitted a safe drug consumption facility.
Under the newly signed law, S.114, Vermont will convene an eight-person task force to explore the potential regulation of substances like psilocybin and MDMA for therapeutic purposes. The group will review current research on psychedelic-assisted treatments and assess regulatory models implemented in other states.
In his veto message on bill H.72, which proposed a harm-reduction pilot program including a supervised drug consumption site in Burlington, Scott expressed concerns about the program’s cost and potential diversion of resources from established prevention and treatment strategies. Despite support from local leaders and advocacy groups, including endorsements from Burlington’s current and former mayors, the governor emphasized the need to prioritize proven strategies like naloxone distribution and enhanced treatment efforts.
Senate President Pro Tem Phil Baruth criticized Scott’s veto as a setback for harm reduction initiatives amidst the opioid crisis, suggesting legislative efforts to override the decision may be pursued. House Speaker Jill Krowinski indicated potential legislative action to overturn the veto, highlighting the bill’s intent to mitigate overdose deaths and facilitate access to treatment.
The decision reflects ongoing debate in Vermont over innovative approaches to drug policy, with supporters arguing for comprehensive harm reduction measures and opponents emphasizing concerns about public health and resource allocation.
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