Vermont Lt. Gov. John Rodgers is allegedly in trouble with state officials after inspectors discovered he is growing a large amount of cannabis plants without a proper license.
According to VtDigger, Rodgers may have to pay a fine for growing as many as 100 cannabis plants without permission. But he plans to formally contest the allegations while he pursues reelection.
Vermont's Cannabis Control Board last month sent a notice outlining the violations. The issues stem from Rodgers use of a non-abutting property and greenhouse to start seedlings for his cannabis cultivation operation. Regulators said the maximum penalty for the violation may include a corrective action plan, suspension or revocation of the license or administrative penalties of $20,000.
However, based on the circumstances of the case, regulators are only seeking a $5,000 penalty and an updated approval.
Rodgers told VtDigger that the formal notice is “a routine and common administrative matter" and that he's "working through the normal process with the CCB to get it resolved."
"[I've] prided myself on having one of the most open and transparent administrations in recent years," he said.
