Vermont’s Strategy: Protecting Small Cannabis Growers

Vermont has taken a significant step to support small-scale cannabis cultivators by temporarily halting the issuance of new licenses for large-scale growers. This decision is part of Vermont’s strategy to regulate its legal cannabis market while focusing on small farmers and social equity initiatives. James Pepper, chairman of the state’s Cannabis Control Board, emphasized that the state’s supply-side actions should specifically target small cultivators and social equity applicants to allow them to fulfill the remaining market capacity.

This move is aimed at preventing a glut of cannabis in Vermont, reflecting challenges faced in other states like Oregon and Oklahoma, where an oversupply has led to a decline in prices. Vermont’s outdoor cannabis growers have also faced difficulties due to heavy rains in July and August, resulting in a reduced harvest, with reports suggesting yields between 50% and 75% compared to the previous year.

Additionally, Vermont is preparing to launch one of the nation’s first state-run cannabis testing labs, expected to start operations in January. This lab, to be located in either Randolph or Colchester, will complement existing services provided by two private labs in the state.