34 plants that could be “either hemp or marijuana” have been found planted outside the state’s capitol building.
Vermont’s Capitol Police received quite the shock their lives recently, after a visitor pointed out a “funny-looking” plant growing in the front lawn outside the state’s capitol building. After an ficer took to inspecting the lawn on Monday, he discovered what is believed to be either a hemp or marijuana plant. According to Chief Matthew Romei, they have managed to identify 34 young plants in total, but for now, the greenery is “too young” to decipher whether they’re hemp or marijuana.
It would require further lab testing to distinguish which the two the plants are exactly, but Romei says the department has no plans to test them since they won’t be pursuing criminal charges. “We also have no thoughts on why someone would plant it,” the department said. “But if anyone wants to claim it and let us know why they planted it, we are happy to listen.” Vermont first legalized the use medicinal marijuana back n 2004, and was the first state to legalize recreational marijuana through the legislature (and not by ballot) following in 2018. According to state law, adults 21 and over are legally allowed to have up to 1 ounce marijuana at a time, and if you’re looking to grow the plant yourself, the limit is two mature marijuana plants and four immature marijuana ones at a time. There is the potential to face up to 6 months behind bars, or pay a fine $500, if said laws are broken.