The bill amends various sections of Vermont's cannabis laws to enhance regulatory oversight and clarify definitions related to cannabis and hemp products. Notably, it allows for the seizure and forfeiture of unlawfully possessed cannabis, including violations of administrative rules. The bill also establishes a requirement for fingerprint-based criminal background checks for individuals applying for cannabis establishment identification cards and includes provisions for the Cannabis Control Board to issue special permits in cases of incapacity or distress of a cannabis establishment's principal. Additionally, it updates the definitions of hemp products to exclude certain regulated cannabis products and establishes immunity for individuals operating under special permits.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Cannabis Control Board to report on cannabis fees and their implications for small local farmers and social equity applicants by November 15, 2025. It also introduces new definitions related to tobacco products, including those containing nicotine, and specifies that the act will take effect on July 1, 2025. The amendments aim to improve the regulatory framework surrounding cannabis in Vermont, ensuring public safety while promoting participation in the regulated market.

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
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- 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, 10-325u
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 7-832, 7-844, 10-325u, 7-861(23), 7-861, 7-883, 7-884, 7-904, 7-904b, 32-3260, 32-7702
As Enacted: 7-832, 7-844, 10-325u, 7-861(23), 7-861, 7-883, 7-884, 7-904, 7-904b, 32-3260, 32-7702