Talking Tax & Regulate: A Deep Dive On S.54

Interactive lunchtime panel explores Vermont’s commercial cannabis legalization bill.

In advance of the legislative session in January, Heady Vermont and Vermont Cannabis Solutions will be hosting a lively interactive panel discussion on Wednesday, October 2, from 12-2pm at Contois Auditorium in Burlington on Vermont’s impending cannabis tax and regulate bill, S.54.

Panel participants will include Rep. John Gannon (D-Wilmington), the vice-chair of the House Government Operations Committee, Middlebury Attorney and pro bono drug policy reform  advocate Dave Silberman, Laura Subin, Director of Vermont Coalition to Regulate Marijuana, and attorneys Andrew Subin and Tim Fair from Vermont Cannabis Solutions.

Panelists will be discussing a wide range of issues addressed by S.54, including:

• Social equity
• Anti-monopoly provisions
• 
Saliva testing
• Types of licenses and associated fees
• Local control (zoning, town bans, community host agreements)
• Timelines (including dispensary sales)

“S.54 is a complex bill, with many moving parts, many of which have been ignored in media coverage of the legalization debate” said Silberman, “This event will give folks an opportunity to dive into the details, and learn not only what policy choices legislators have made so far, but also how they can help influence positive change going forward when the Legislature reconvenes in January.”

Fair agrees, adding, “The Vermont cannabis industry has exploded in the past year following the Federal legalization of hemp, and we expect to see an even greater positive economic impact once we have a taxed and regulated adult-use market in place. S.54 provides our best shot at establishing a functional framework that looks out for the needs of both consumers and local entrepreneurs, while ensuring that we get the highest quality, locally-grown, organic cannabis to the Vermont market.”

The panel discussion is free and open to the public. RSVP on the Facebook Event.

Talking Tax & Regulate: A Deep Dive On S.54

Wednesday, October 2, from 12-2pm

Contois Auditorium – 149 Church St Hall, 2nd Floor, Burlington