Bill H.321 seeks to strengthen the regulatory framework for cannabis establishments in Vermont through several significant amendments. It clarifies that cannabis unlawfully possessed in violation of administrative rules can be seized by law enforcement and mandates fingerprint-based state and national criminal history checks for applicants of cannabis establishment identification cards. The bill also revises the definition of hemp to align with federal standards and introduces a new trim and harvest service license, which comes with an annual fee of $500. Additionally, it establishes requirements for cannabis packaging to include specific harvest and packaging dates, and outlines procedures for receivership of cannabis establishments in distress, allowing for temporary operation under appointed individuals.

Moreover, the bill introduces a special permit system that allows unlicensed individuals to possess, transport, or dispose of cannabis when no licensed custodian is available, providing immunity from civil and criminal liability for those acting under this permit. It increases the number of license types from seven to eight, adding the trim and harvest service license, and modifies the licensing fee structure to change the frequency of employee and product licensing fees from annual to biennial. Importantly, the Cannabis Control Board will not issue new retailer licenses until July 1, 2027, with exceptions for renewals and amendments. The creation of a full-time Enforcement Attorney position within the Cannabis Control Board is also authorized to enhance regulatory enforcement, aiming to streamline cannabis regulation while ensuring compliance and safety within the industry.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 7-832, 7-844, 7-861(23), 7-861, 7-881, 7-883, 7-884, 7-901, 7-904, 7-904b, 7-910, 32-3260