Vermont made history in 2018 by becoming the first state to legalize recreational cannabis through the Legislature. Lawmakers forgot one thing, though — to create a regulated and legal marijuana market in the process.

The state prohibited cannabis sales for the past two years, even though residents could possess and consume the substance without penalty. That changed last week when Vermont Gov. Phil Scott allowed a bill that would legalize recreational cannabis sales without his signature. He also signed separate legislation that would expunge prior marijuana-related records statewide.

Congratulating his home state was none other than Sen. Bernie Sanders, who was happy Vermont will soon have safe and legal access to cannabis products.

“Let me congratulate the state legislature for making Vermont the 11th state in the country to legalize marijuana and also for expunging past marijuana convictions,” Sanders tweeted.

“Now, it is time for Congress and the federal government to end the war on drugs and legalize marijuana nationwide,” he added.

Sanders ardently supported federal cannabis reform throughout his 2020 presidential run, stating in interviews that our current marijuana laws are “insane” and “too many lives are being destroyed.” He said that if elected president, he would have legalized cannabis nationwide his first day in office. [Read more at LA Weekly]