Press Release: Cannabis Retailers Association of Vermont Announces Board of Directors

Quick growth, reflects the importance of the association’s work in Vermont

MONTPELIER — The Cannabis Retailers Association of Vermont (CRAV) announced its board of directors today. A group of licensed retailers created the organization to ensure the businesses were well represented in the legislature, in front of the Cannabis Control Board (CCB), and with the public.

“Our goals this session focused on advertising reform, the removal of product caps, and removal of the vape tax on cannabis cartridges.” — CRAV Chair Colleen McQuade, Juniper Lane

Cannabis dispensaries are integral to a vibrant cannabis industry. They are often the face of the industry as they are the people consumers interact with directly. They are the experts who help people determine which cannabis product is best for their unique, individual goals. These interactions between budtenders and consumers play an essential role in shaping the perception of the overall industry.

Colleen McQuade from Juniper Lane who is the chair of CRAV said “We formed the Cannabis Retail Association to create a clear and unified voice in the legislature and in front of the Cannabis Control Board. This helps ensure we get the specific needs of our businesses met as the adult use cannabis market grows. Our goals this session focused on advertising reform, the removal of product caps, and removal of the vape tax on cannabis cartridges which will strengthen the best cannabis marketplace with the best cannabis in the country.”

CRAV has hired a lobbyist, will be actively engaged at the CCB, and will attend numerous conferences and events throughout the year. They intend to advocate for their members and ensure policies continue to evolve to benefit their businesses and consumers. There are more than 50 licensed retailers in Vermont, with more expected to be approved soon. Vermonters own more than 95% of the dispensaries in the state. They estimate that they employ more than 200 Vermonters and expect that number to grow significantly when more businesses open in the coming months.

“I believe together as retailers we can mold the Vermont cannabis market in the same facet as we have grown the craft beer market, by emphasizing the importance of growing smaller Vermont owned businesses and brands.” — CRAV Vice Chair Dusty Kenney, Cambridge Cannabis Co

“I believe together as retailers we can mold the Vermont cannabis market in the same facet as we have grown the craft beer market, by emphasizing the importance of growing smaller Vermont owned businesses and brands. This is a sound way to put Vermonters’ views and priorities first in a budding market. A high tide raises all boats and together we will raise the Vermont cannabis industry.” said Dusty Kenney from Cambridge Cannabis Company who is the vice chair of the association

The association hired Todd Bailey to serve as the interim executive director. Todd is the CEO of Trace – a Vermont-owned and operated seed-to-sale tracking platform – and has been engaged in the cannabis industry in Vermont for seven years.

The other board members include Miriam Wood from The Tea House, who will serve as the secretary; Tiffany Johnson from Euphoria Cannabis Products, who will serve as the Treasurer; Mike Sims from FLORA; Lauren Andrews, RN, CA from Capital Cannabis, and Ana MacDuff from Mountain Girl Cannabis.

CRAV will hold a kickoff event on May 3rd at Zenbarn, located at 179 Guptil Road in Waterbury Center. After their members-only meeting concludes, people from the cannabis industry and anyone who is a cannabis enthusiast is invited to Zenbarn’s Weekly Grateful Dead Night featuring local band Dead Not Dead, a cash bar, and food available for purchase 5-9 pm. There will also be a silent auction with great items available for the public to bid on.

About The Cannabis Retailers Association of Vermont

The Cannabis Retailers Association of Vermont (CRAV) mission is to create a thriving, diverse and sustainable cannabis industry in the state of Vermont that supports our working landscape and small business owners while providing the highest quality products possible to our customers from near and far. And help ensure Vermont becomes a destination for the best cannabis products in the world.

Cannabis Retailers Association Vermont crvt.org