James Pepper proposes cannabis farmer's market to promote small cultivators in local community

The House Appropriations Committee meeting held on May 29, 2025, in Vermont focused on the proposed regulations for cannabis sales at public events, drawing parallels to traditional farmers' markets. The discussion centered on allowing licensed cultivators to sell their products directly to consumers in a controlled environment, while ensuring compliance with existing regulations.

James Pepper from the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) introduced the rationale behind the proposal, emphasizing the need for cultivators to bypass intermediaries such as wholesalers and retailers to create a sustainable business model. He noted that the current regulatory framework requires retailers to act as intermediaries, which poses logistical challenges if cultivators were to sell directly to the public.

The proposal aims to establish a secure environment for cannabis sales outside of traditional retail settings, akin to a farmers' market. This would allow small cultivators, specifically tier 1 and tier 2, to showcase their products while maintaining strict security measures. Pepper highlighted the importance of ensuring that underage individuals do not have access to these products and that all sales would be monitored through point-of-sale systems.

Local municipal governments would play a crucial role in approving permits for these events, with conditions set to address public safety concerns. The CCB would review security plans and advertising strategies to ensure compliance with regulations. The initiative seeks to foster direct interaction between cultivators and consumers, enabling cultivators to build their brands and engage with the public effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to balancing regulatory compliance with the need for cultivators to thrive in a competitive market. The next steps involve further discussions and potential adjustments to the proposal before implementation.