A measure legalizing marijuana use in Vermont cleared the state's legislature on Wednesday.

A measure legalizing marijuana use in Vermont cleared the state's legislature on Wednesday.

House Bill 170 would legalize possession of up to two ounces of marijuana by adults 21 or older, who would be able to grow limited amounts of cannabis at home.

House Bill 170 would legalize possession of up to two ounces of marijuana by adults 21 or older, who would be able to grow limited amounts of cannabis at home.

In his final days as the state's top executive, outgoing Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin is expected to issue what could be hundreds of pardons to Vermonters convicted of what are now considered minor marijuana violations.

In his final days as the state's top executive, outgoing Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin is expected to issue what could be hundreds of pardons to Vermonters convicted of what are now considered minor marijuana violations.

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.

Election Day ballot initiatives to legalize marijuana in Massachusetts and Maine could light a fire under Vermont lawmakers.

Election Day ballot initiatives to legalize marijuana in Massachusetts and Maine could light a fire under Vermont lawmakers.

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

In the next few weeks, as Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin nears the end of his time in office, his state could make history. If he has his way, Vermont will become the first state in the union to legalize marijuana through its legislature.

In the next few weeks, as Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin nears the end of his time in office, his state could make history. If he has his way, Vermont will become the first state in the union to legalize marijuana through its legislature.

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 simple answer is that the marijuana market would likely get a lot bigger than it is today, but (as there often is) there's a bit more to the story than that.

The simple answer is that the marijuana market would likely get a lot bigger than it is today, but (as there often is) there's a bit more to the story than that.

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.