Senate amendments create limited cannabis "showcase" pilot, prompt board staffing and fee questions

James Pepper, chair of the Cannabis Control Board, told the House Government Operations & Military Affairs Committee on May 28 that Senate amendments to H 321 would add a short-term pilot for cannabis "showcase" events and contain other changes to fees and board appointments.

The proposal that drew the most attention is a pilot to permit cannabis-only showcase events—described in the hearing as similar to a farmers market—allowing retailers in good standing to partner with at least three small cultivators or product manufacturers to sell directly to consumers under a two-stage permit process (local municipal permit followed by a board permit). Pepper said the pilot is limited to no more than five events total and would run through Dec. 31, 2026.

The bill would restrict events to municipalities that have opted in to retail cannabis sales (Pepper estimated roughly "80 or 90 towns"). Events may be outdoors or indoors but must be held in a secure,…