Vermont connects with Maine, Massachusetts to discuss regulating cannabis

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The Green Mountain State wants to learn from established regions how to oversee the industry

Vermont took the first step towards cannabis legalization within its borders in January 2018, thanks to Governor Phil Scott. He signed legislation that removed the criminalization of cannabis possession, as long as it’s only one ounce or less, as well as the allowance for keeping two mature plants or four immature ones. Currently, the Green Mountain State doesn’t count on legislation that regulates the cannabis market; however, it is on the agenda for the upcoming session. Last Thursday, Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan brought panelists from Maine and Massachusetts to a panel held in Burlington in order to hear from their experiences regarding the regulated cannabis market.

The name of this panel was, “Conversation About Cannabis: Lessons From Our Neighbors” and Donovan talked about how the state navigates in a current legal limbo. “I think Vermont is in a really weird position when it comes to cannabis. In fact, I think we’re probably in the worst position we can possibly be in where we have legalized possession of cannabis, but we’ve remained absolutely silent on how Vermonters obtain it. We need a regulated marketplace in this state now,” he stated.

Regulators, bankers, and cannabis entrepreneurs were among the attendants of this discussion that Donovan brought. Charlotte Hanna is a Community Growth Partners founder in Massachusetts and her first store will be open in Berkshires in early 2020. Erik Gunderson from Maine’s Office of Marijuana Policy Director also discussed al the implementation challenges with Donovan. Vermont was the first state to legalize marijuana possession form the House instead of going for a referendum.

There are two different bills at the moment, House Bill 250 and Senate Bill 54, regarding state cannabis reform. These bills are very similar to each other, but they need some reconciling first. Once that happens, legislative approval will be next and will most likely come next year.