Lawmakers in Vermont have rejected a plan that would have allowed cannabis cultivators to sell directly to consumers, Vermont Public Radio reports. The plan, backed by Lt. Gov. John Rodgers, was criticized by lawmakers over concerns that it put the state in a role of promoting cannabis use.
In an interview with VPR, state Rep. Jim Harrison (R) said the proposed pilot program would allow cannabis businesses to “literally take over” fairgrounds in the state, which he said would be “promoting cannabis, not controlling cannabis.”
Lawmakers did pass legislation that included direct-to-consumer provisions without the program. The bill adds some technical changes to the state’s adult use law, such as requiring fingerprinting and background checks for anyone who seeks an industry ID; putting hemp products under the purview of the Cannabis Control Board; requiring “harvested on” and “packed on” dates for cannabis products; requirements that the board develop procedures for license changes and procedures for receivership of cannabis businesses in the event of death, disability, bankruptcy, or insolvency; and the creation of a new trim and harvest service license which carries a $500 fee.
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