the Vermont Cannabis Control Board on Wednesday issued licenses to three businesses in Burlington, Rutland and Middlebury that will allow them to open their cannabis dispensaries in the coming weeks.
These three companies are the first in Vermont to get the green light for retail.
“The licenses approved today mark a historic moment for Vermont, spanning several decades,” Board Chairman James Pepper said in a statement.
The state of Vermont has authorized the Cannabis Control Board to begin issuing retail licenses “no later than” October 1, the date that will unofficially launch the adult cannabis market.
Existing medical dispensaries and candidates from backgrounds disadvantaged by the prohibition of cannabis were given priority by the council. The company Mountain Girl Cannabiswhich received one of the first three licenses, was one of two “social equity” nominees.
Retailers can start selling cannabis as soon as they receive their license, provided they have paid their fees and met certain conditions such as required employee training on the health effects of cannabis by the state, and have obtained local government approval, where applicable.
“This date will vary from company to company,” said the Cannabis Control Board in a press release.
In Burlington, the city council has banned retail until Oct. 1. Russ Todia, chief operating officer of Ceres Collaborative, one of the state’s largest clinics that also received an early license, said his business would open as close to that date as possible.
