VT News Roundup: Banking a Hot Topic, Advocacy Fact Sheet, Public Comment on CCB Rules 3 and 4

Last week, we talked a little bit about banking and insurance, two major hurdles for cannabis businesses. A number of people are trying to contact banks about opening their accounts and are getting denied. We’ve also been hearing reports that VSECU has a moratorium on opening new cannabis and hemp accounts.

Prospective licensees should be aware that many federally insured banks do not work with cannabis businesses. And while some local banks may be preparing to receive new licensed cannabis businesses in the near future, it sounds like VSECU is waiting for final rules, as are probably a few other banks.

Rules 1 and 2 are currently in the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (LCAR) with a hearing scheduled for February 24. — See the Heady Instagram discussion

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Vermont CCB Announces Pre-Qualification Window

Vermont Cannabis Control Board regulators announced today that they are opening their license pre-qualification window for applicants starting on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Get more info

Cannabis Legislation To Be Discussed This Week

H.548 is on the schedule for the Committee on Government Operations on Tuesday, February 15. H.548 on the Gov Ops Agenda

S.188 is also set to be discussed in the Senate on Tuesday. S.188 on the VT Senate Calendar

February 18 Public Comment Meeting on Rules 3 and 4

MONTPELIER — The deadline is approaching for the public to submit its comments on the Vermont Cannabis Control Board’s Rules 3 and 4.  In January, the Control Board, as required by law, posted its proposed rules on the Vermont Secretary of State website and published notices in local newspapers of record.

The public now has a chance to comment and respond to the rules via the CCB website and during a public hearing, which will be held on Friday, February 18 at 11 a.m.  — via HVT

Advocacy Fact Sheet from Vermont NORML & Magic Mann

ESSEX — Vermont NORML and Magic Mann have worked to put together a quick and easy-to-use page that lists out common myths about cannabis, countered by peer-reviewed studies, along with facts about social equity and job creation.

Bookmark this page and use it often, whether you are attending a Select Board meeting, talking to your neighbors or countering misinformation online. — via Magic Mann

Essex Community Discussion on Cannabis

ESSEX —The Town and Village wish to have robust community conversations about whether and how to allow retail cannabis in the community. The first live community forum took place on Tuesday, December 7 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

A second community forum will take place on Wednesday, February 16 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. All community members are welcome to attend in-person, via the online meeting link or by phone. Get more information and view a recording of the first community forum on the Cannabis Community page on the Essex Town site. — via Town of Essex

Cannabis on the Chester Selectboard Agenda

CHESTER — Despite the Chester Selectboard’s decision not to put the retail cannabis opt-in vote on the town meeting ballot, the board once again discussed the issue in their Feb. 2 meeting after a local resident petitioned for its inclusion.

The next Chester Selectboard meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. in person at Chester Town Office or via Zoom. — via The Vermont Journal

Rockingham Will Host Cannabis Voter Information Forum

ROCKINGHAM — On Wednesday, Feb. 16, there will be an informational forum in Rockingham for voters on topics including zoning and advertising, local control, potential economic costs and benefits and impacts on youth.

Speakers will include Susan Westa from Windham Regional Commission, local cannabis entrepreneur Deb Fox, Sen. Jeanette White (D-Windham) on legislative updates, Greater Falls Connections on youth prevention and a speaker with expertise in youth mental health.

The Cannabis Voter Information Forum will be hybrid on Zoom and in-person at the Bellows Falls Opera House Lower Theater, held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For those attending in-person, masking and social distancing will be encouraged. A video recording of the voter forum will be posted on FACT-TV’s website.

Zoom links will be available on the Facebook pages of FACT-TV and Greater Falls Connections on the day of each event. Questions can be emailed to [email protected] prior to the event.

— via Brattleboro Reformer

Trying to catch up? Check out our January Legislative Roundup.

Is cannabis up for a vote in your town? Check out our map.

Got a news tip or an upcoming opt-in vote you don’t see here?
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