Press Article: Concerns Rise as Vermont Governor Signs Cannabis Legislation
Last week, Governor Phil Scott signed new legislation impacting Vermont’s retail cannabis industry, prompting strong reactions from the Vermont Cannabis Equity Coalition. The coalition, representing multiple advocacy groups, urged the governor to veto the bill due to its failure to include key provisions critical for small growers’ survival.
The newly signed legislation was initially seen as a housekeeping measure, but the Senate’s proposal for a pilot project allowing small growers to sell directly at offsite locations was rejected by the House. Representative Jim Harrison opposed this plan, citing concerns it could promote cannabis use without sufficient study.
Members of the Vermont Cannabis Equity Coalition—comprising the Vermont Growers Association, Rural Vermont, the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance, and others—voiced urgent priorities. They advocate for direct sales to consumers from farms, allowing public cannabis use where tobacco is permitted, dedicating funds to a social equity business development initiative, and expanding the state’s medical cannabis program. Supporters argue that minimizing restrictions on direct sales is vital for small cultivators, who face growing challenges due to limited retail space, with one-third of small growers already relinquishing their licenses this year.
Geoffrey Pizzutillo of the Vermont Growers Association warned that without changes, many small growers may revert to the illicit market, undermining the regulated industry further. Meanwhile, the Cannabis Control Board, led by James Pepper, acknowledges these concerns but highlights political realities at the Statehouse, emphasizing ongoing stigma regarding cannabis that differentiates it from alcohol.
As the coalition prepares to reassess their strategy for the next legislative session, they remain uncertain about prospects for the pilot program in the future. Advocacy for better support mechanisms is expected to continue as Vermont navigates its evolving cannabis landscape.
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