The Vermont Senate has given preliminary approval to a bill to legalize possession of up to an ounce of marijuana by adults in the state.
The measure was approved Wednesday by a vote of 16-13. A final vote on the measure is expected Thursday.
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the bill on a 4-3 vote on Monday after it had previously won approval in the Judiciary and Finance committees.
In a statement issued after the vote, Governor Peter Shumlin called it "a big moment for Vermont."
He says 80,000 Vermonters admit to using marijuana on a monthly basis and it's clear the current system is broken.
The bill will be considered by the House if the measure passes the final Senate vote.
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