Vermont lawmakers have rejected a plan that would have allowed small cannabis growers to sell their products directly to consumers off-site.
The limited shelf space in state retail stores has made it difficult for small growers to compete, and the rejected pilot program aimed to address this by permitting sales through licensed retailers at venues like farmers markets.
Opponents in the House expressed concern that the proposal could be seen as promoting cannabis use rather than regulating it.
Some lawmakers, while supportive of the pilot, agreed to remove it to ensure the passage of broader industry legislation.
Those against the program have indicated a willingness to revisit the issue next year, given more time for thorough study and consideration.
This decision centered on concerns over promoting cannabis use and how to fairly allocate limited retail shelf space.
Lawmakers weighed a Senate compromise pilot program amid pressure from the growing community.
The pilot program aimed to let small cannabis growers sell their products directly to consumers, but only through licensed retailers.
Sales would occur at special events, such as farmers markets, rather than traditional retail stores.
The goal was to address the problem of limited shelf space at existing retail outlets.
The program intended to provide small-scale growers a new sales avenue without bypassing regulatory oversight.
Sales would still be conducted under the supervision of licensed retailers to maintain accountability and compliance with state laws.
This initiative was seen by supporters as a way to sustain smaller businesses in Vermont’s cannabis market.
