Vermont's Cannabis Control Board (CCB) today approved the state's first retail licenses, which is about two weeks ahead of schedule.
The board approved Mountain Girl Cannabis in Rutland and FLĹŚRA Cannabis in Middlebury. Champlain Valley Dispensary/CeresMED in Burlington is also included as an integrated licensee.
Integrated licenses may engage in the activities allowed under all current adult-use licenses, including retail sales. These businesses are currently licensed as dispensaries under Vermont’s medical-use program and may now engage in adult-use sales.
Approved retail establishments may begin operation once they have paid licensing fees, met any outstanding contingencies and received their local license if a local control commission has been created by their municipality. The date will vary from business to business.
While the approvals mark a turning point in the road to a more sensible adult-use marketplace, it is important to note that this is not the end of the journey.
The CCB admitted that delays in initial licensure for applicants, especially Vermont’s outdoor cultivators, will create early supply shortages. A similar dynamic has occurred in the initial rollout of each adult-use state as the supply chain develops.
The CCB's licensing team will continue to review applications for all license types, and the board will continue to approve them on a rolling basis.
