The Latest: Vermont governor vetoes marijuana bill

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Latest on Vermont’s governor vetoing a marijuana legalization bill (all times local):

2:40 p.m.

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is vetoing a bill that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state and is sending it back to the legislature with suggestions for changes.

The Republican governor said Wednesday he has concerns about public safety, children’s health and how to measure impaired drivers. Scott suggested legislators could make changes to address those concerns in a veto session in June.

Scott is calling for more aggressive penalties for smoking pot while driving or using it in the presence of children.

Under the legislation, small amounts of marijuana would have been legal to possess and grow for anyone over age 21.

Had Scott signed the bill, Vermont would have become the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana. The District of Columbia has also legalized it.

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12:14 p.m.

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott says he won’t sign a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana in the state and is instead sending it back to the legislature with suggestions for changes.

The Republican governor said Wednesday that changes could be made to the bill in a veto session this summer.

If Scott had decided to sign the bill, it would have made Vermont the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana. The District of Columbia has also legalized it.

The governor has previously said he’s not philosophically opposed to marijuana legalization but has concerns about safety.

Under the legislation, small amounts of marijuana would have been legal to possess and grow for anyone over age 21.