The bill H.321 introduces various amendments related to cannabis regulations in Vermont. It amends existing laws to clarify that cannabis possessed unlawfully is subject to seizure and forfeiture not only under the title but also under administrative rules. The bill establishes a requirement for criminal background checks for individuals applying for cannabis establishment identification cards and medical cannabis dispensary identification cards, with provisions for the Board to conduct these checks and set standards for license denial based on criminal history. Additionally, it modifies the definition of hemp products to exclude any substances that are prohibited or regulated by the Cannabis Control Board and establishes that hemp-derived products not meeting the definition will be classified as cannabis products.

Furthermore, the bill creates a new section that allows the Cannabis Control Board to issue special permits for the temporary operation of cannabis establishments in cases of incapacity or distress. It also mandates a report from the Cannabis Control Board regarding cannabis fees and recommendations for adjustments to promote participation in the regulated market. Other amendments include changes to the labeling requirements for cannabis products, the addition of a member to the Vermont Land Access and Opportunity Board, and updates to the definitions of tobacco products to include synthetic nicotine. The act is 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
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