Legislative committee reviews cannabis 'showcase' pilot, funding shift and market fixes

Members of the Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs Committee on Thursday considered a package of proposed amendments to Vermont’s cannabis law that would create a temporary "cannabis showcase" event permit, change the Cannabis Control Board’s funding mix, adjust licensing fees and address medical-patient supports and social-equity spending.

The measures, presented by James Pepper, chair of the Cannabis Control Board, would allow a retailer in good standing to apply — with local approval — to host an adults‑only, controlled-access sales event if the retailer partners with a minimum of three licensed cultivators or manufacturers and presents a security and product‑sale plan to the board. Pepper described the concept as "kind of a farmer's market for adults only" and said sales would be processed through a retailer’s point‑of‑sale system while cultivators could interact with consumers at the event.

Why it matters: committee members and stakeholders said the proposals aim to expand sales opportunities for small growers and manufacturers while protecting public health and enforcement controls. Department of Health and prevention advocates countered that shifting excise revenue or increasing point‑of‑sale venues could affect youth exposure and prevention programs.

Showcase pilot and event rules

Under the draft language Pepper described, a local legislative body or local cannabis commission would first sign off on a proposed event. The CCB would then review security plans that "mimic[] a retail shop," ID and access controls, diversion‑prevention measures and proof of commercially reasonable insurance. Pepper recommended limiting the pilot to "up to five" events statewide with a report back to the legislature in…