The first medical marijuana dispensaries could show up in Vermont by the summer.

Burlington mayor's race... Vermont Supreme Court... "Eat More Kale"... poet Ruth Stone... these were some of the voices in the news this week.

Governor Peter Shumlin says he's joining an effort to encourage the federal government to reclassify marijuana as a drug that has medicinal benefits. Under the plan, doctors could write prescriptions for marijuana and local pharmacies would be allowed to fill these prescriptions.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Peter Shumlin says the governor supports and will sign on to an effort allowing doctors to prescribe medical marijuana and for pharmacists to fill the prescriptions.

The state Senate has advanced a bill that allows patients to buy medical marijuana at local dispensaries rather than having to grow their own. The bill says the dispensaries would operate under the supervision of the state. Only people who have a doctor's written permission could buy the pot.

Two medical marijuana dispensaries would be created under a bill that is working its way through committee in the Vermont Senate. One would be located in southern Vermont and the other in the northern part of the state. Each outlet would be allowed to grow and dispense medical marijuana for up to 500 registered patients.

If a bill in the Senate is approved it would create two medical marijuana dispensaries. The Department of Public Safety would be charged with the oversight of these outlets. Commissioner Keith Flynn says his department could support this if it is engaged in the rule making.

Senate Bill 17 would set up medical marijuana dispensaries in the state. We hear why the bill was proposed and the reservations some have with it. Plus, University of Vermont President Daniel Fogel explains the reasons he will be leaving the post. And, we get a glimpse of artwork that was created from trash.

An East Wallingford woman who faced felony charges for growing marijuana for her critically ill son will not have to go trial.  State prosecutors have referred Sue Thayer to a Court Diversion program.   Her case will be dismissed if she successfully completes it.

A bill making its way through the senate would create up to five "compassion centers"  to legally disburse medical marijuana.  Also, one senator wants to further regulate slaughterhouses, and we celebrate the Iranian New Year.

Despite opposition from law enforcement officials, a bill that makes it easier to buy medical marijuana is moving through the Senate. The legislation creates a number of state dispensaries where people who are eligible can purchase small amounts of the drug.

A bill to set up so-called "compassion centers" for the nearly 200 Vermonters enrolled in the state's medical-marijuana registry is on a legislative committee's docket this week.

The Senate has shot down a bill that would have made New Hampshire the 14th state to legalize marijuana use by severely ill people.

Lawmakers will vote Wednesday whether to override Gov. John Lynch's veto of a bill that would make New Hampshire the 14th state to legalize marijuana use by severely ill people.

Supporters of legalized marijuana use are praising a Justice Department memo that tells federal prosecutors not to go after people who are using or distributing marijuana in compliance with state medical marijuana laws.

The Obama administration will not seek to arrest medical marijuana users and suppliers as long as they closely conform to state laws.

Time is running out for New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch to decide if he'll sign a bill to legalize marijuana use by severely ill people.

New Hampshire legislators have passed a bill that would make the state the 14th to legalize marijuana for severely ill people - if the governor signs it.