Vermont cannabis stakeholders press lawmakers for equity funding, direct sales and event permits

Vermont cannabis industry leaders, social‑equity advocates and educators told the House Committee on Government Operations & Military Affairs on Wednesday that state policy changes are needed to make the legal market viable for small producers, repair harms from past enforcement, and unlock tourism opportunities.

The coalition of groups urged the committee to consider directing a portion of cannabis excise revenue to community reinvestment, creating pathways for direct sales by small cultivators, reforming advertising rules they say impose high compliance costs, and authorizing temporary event or catering permits to allow legal public consumption at controlled venues.

Why it matters: Committee members heard requests that would shift how cannabis tax revenue is used, alter market access rules for small growers and change public‑consumption policy. Supporters said those changes would help small farms survive, advance racial and economic equity, and capture tourism dollars; the committee did not take any formal actions during the session.

Stakeholders and funding proposals

Jean Hamilton, director of program development for the Land Access and Opportunity Board, told the committee the board and the Cannabis Control Board’s social equity working group recommended dedicating 25% of the state cannabis excise tax to community reinvestment activities. Hamilton said the board’s projection equates that share to a $5,600,000 investment and described plans to target most of the money to direct investments that help Vermonters buy homes and access farmland.

“The recommendation…is that 25% of the excise tax be invested into community reinvestment activities, to create the economic conditions so that…