The Vermont House has given final approval to its version of a recreational marijuana legalization bill.

The measure passed by a vote of 75 to 71, following hours of debate.

The bill would make it legal for adults age 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow two mature plants at home.

The limited measure does not create any new regulatory system for legally selling and taxing pot, nor does it fund new public safety or youth education efforts. 

Critics, including Rep. George Till -- a Jericho Democrat and a physician -- said that spells trouble.

"We can expect a whole lot more traffic accidents, probably with fatalities and we can expect there'll be an increase in other drugs, including heroin, as a result of legalization."

Supporters disputed those predictions and argued it was to face the reality that 80,000 Vermonters regularly consume pot and those who do in the privacy of their homes should not be treated as lawbreakers.

H. 170 now moves on to the Senate where action is unlikely before the session ends Saturday. 

Republican Gov. Phil Scott has also expressed reservations about moving ahead with recreational marijuana legislation in the near-term.

Last month, senators agreed to a separate bill that would establish a Colorado-style system to tax and regulate marijuana in Vermont. The House has so far shown little interest, preferring a more incremental approach.