Montpelier — The Vermont Legislature sent its marijuana legalization bill to the desk of Republican Gov. Phil Scott on Thursday, initiating a five-day countdown during which Scott will have to decide whether to sign the legislation, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature.

It’ll be one of the most closely watched decisions of Scott’s gubernatorial tenure, and he’s been inundated in recent days from both supporters and opponents of a bill that would legalize possession of up to an ounce of marijuana, and allow Vermonters to grow up to two mature plants.

Scott has heard from some high-profile constituencies urging him to veto the legalization bill.

On May 4, the Vermont Association of Police Chiefs penned a letter urging him to reject the bill. Representatives of the Vermont Medical Society, Vermont American Academy of Pediatrics and Vermont Children’s Hospital have also expressed concern.

But proponents of legalization have come out in force as well.

“In my view, those who oppose expansion of civil liberties consistently find themselves on the wrong side of history,” Windsor County State’s Attorney David Cahill said.

Cahill said prohibition has done little to stem the tide of marijuana abuse in Vermont, which has some of the highest teen usage rates in the nation. As for fears generally about the ill effects of cannabis, Cahill said, “that a separate issue apart from whether consenting adults should have the right to consume marijuana without fearing state interference.”

At a news conference on Thursday, Scott offered mixed messages on what he plans to do with the legalization bill.

“I’ve said it along the campaign trail — I’m not philosophically opposed to it,” Scott said.

But, Scott said, he doesn’t think Vermont should move forward until the state puts in place stronger highway safety measures.

“I’m not sure that the time is right now,” Scott said. “But I want to look at the bill.”

Now that it’s arrived on his desk, Scott will have an opportunity to begin that review.