House committee backs Senate changes to H.321, removes trim-and-harvest provisions

The House Government Operations & Military Affairs committee voted to endorse the Senate mendment to H.321, the miscellaneous cannabis bill, and approved a committee amendment that removes four sections setting up a new trim-and-harvest license and related requirements.

The measure, H.321, drew discussion focused on workload and staffing at the Cannabis Control Board and whether the statewide agency can implement new licensing and direct-to-consumer pilot events while handling a rising volume of complaints and appeals.

Kirby Keaton, state counsel, explained the text changes members were considering and summarized the Byron (Byerong) amendment, saying, "the Byerong amendment would further remove sections 4, 8, 11, and 12." Keaton described other Senate edits that remain in the bill, including a report back on fees and a new seat on the Vermont Land Access and Opportunity Board.

James Pepper, chair of the Cannabis Control Board, told the committee the board has seen rapid market growth and said staffing is driving the decision to narrow parts of the bill. "The market in the last year has grown from a taxable sales perspective 20% over the last year. We've added about 70 new businesses," Pepper said. He added the board…