Over the past two years a number of new marijuana-related businesses have registered in Vermont.

Over the past two years a number of new marijuana-related businesses have registered in Vermont.

MONTPELIER, Vt. —The Vermont House has voted overwhelmingly against a Senate-passed plan to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana.

Liberal-leaning Vermont could become the first U.S. state to legalize recreational marijuana use through legislation, rather than by voter initiative, in a move that advocates for the drug say could speed its acceptance across the nation.

Liberal-leaning Vermont could become the first U.S. state to legalize recreational marijuana use through legislation, rather than by voter initiative, in a move that advocates for the drug say could speed its acceptance across the nation.

The Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee, which is weighing whether to legalize and regulate the sale of small amounts of marijuana for recreational use, is hearing from the public on the issue this week.

The Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee, which is weighing whether to legalize and regulate the sale of small amounts of marijuana for recreational use, is hearing from the public on the issue this week.

Paris Achen ~ Burlington Free Press ~

The number of Vermont residents using dispensaries has increased six-fold since 2013.