Bill H.321 introduces significant amendments to Vermont's cannabis laws, enhancing the regulatory framework for cannabis establishments. Key provisions include the establishment of user agreements for criminal background checks, which will require fingerprint-based checks for individuals applying for cannabis establishment identification cards. The bill also clarifies the definition of hemp products, ensuring that substances regulated as cannabis products or containing more than 0.3% THC are excluded. Additionally, it introduces a special permitting process for temporary operation of cannabis establishments in cases of incapacity or distress of a principal, expands the types of licenses from seven to eight by adding an integrated license, and outlines conditions for holding multiple licenses.

Further amendments require cultivators to provide specific information on cannabis packaging, such as harvest and packaging dates, and establish a new "Trim and Harvest Service License" for maintenance services. The bill updates the fee schedule, introducing a $500 annual licensing fee for trim and harvest services, and allows for longer product registrations for low-risk items. It also authorizes the Cannabis Control Board to offer one- and two-year employee licenses, specifies local licensing fees for cannabis establishments, and expands definitions related to tobacco products to include synthetic nicotine. An Enforcement Attorney position is created within the Cannabis Control Board, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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
As Passed By the House -- Official: 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, 32-7702
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 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, 32-7702