Vermont House Committee has withdrawn several important provisions of a bill to update state cannabis regulations. These include proposed changes in THC potency and excise taxes. According to reports, the House Government Operations Committee removed language which would have changed the existing regulatory framework of cannabis products. Ganjapreneur.
Vermont Cannabis Regulations removed from the Statute
Vermont Senate had approved the provisions that were removed in March by the House Government Operations Committee. These proposed major changes included:
- It was the complete removal of the THC caps of 30 percent on cannabis flower. This would have permitted the sale and distribution of flowers with higher levels of cannabinoids, without having to adhere to a regulatory limit.
- The THC limit on cannabis concentrates will be increased from 60% to 70%. This is to match or surpass the potency levels seen in other markets that are regulated.
- Reduced state excise taxes on cannabis from 14 to 10 percent, which could have affected consumer prices and the competitiveness of the market.
If the bill is passed in the modified version, the THC limits on flower and concentrates will not change, nor will the 14% tax. The House Committee’s action reflects a new legislative approach, compared with the Senate’s approval earlier this year. That was to modify these parameters to fit the state’s cannabis-regulated market. According to Hemp Gazette, the retention of THC limits on products maintains regulatory standards.
Retained provisions for industry and consumers
The House Government Operations Committee, despite the deletion of the THC tax and cap amendments in the Cannabis Regulation Update Bill, retained many other important provisions. The measures that were retained address a variety of operational aspects, from packaging to consumer access and licensing.
- Double the THC per package limit for edibles. This will adjust the parameters of product formulations and the purchase options available to consumers.
- The limit on cannabis retail transactions and personal possession will be raised from 1 ounce to 2 ounces. This increases the amount that an individual may legally purchase or possess at a time.
- The limit on hash is being increased from 5 grams up to 10 grams. This will align with the general increase in the possession allowances.
- Reduced outdoor cultivator fees to approximately half. This is a measure designed to help smaller outdoor cultivation operations.
- A two-year-pilot program for cannabis-event permits will allow for on-site consumption to be regulated at specific events.
- By converting the annual license renewals of industry workers to biennial cycles, administrative burdens are reduced for both employees and employers.
- Removing the integrated licensing type which simplified the licensing structure, by removing the category that combined production, retail, and cultivation.
- The Governor is authorized to sign interstate cannabis commercial compacts when federal laws change. If federal prohibition ends, this provision will allow Vermont to enter a wider regional market.
While specific tax and potency changes have been held off, these retained provisions demonstrate a legislative desire to fine-tune operational aspects of cannabis businesses. Vermont could be able to participate in interstate agreements if the federal government allows it. This would have long-term effects on Vermont’s cannabis industry.
The Legislative Process: Next Steps
This bill will now be sent to the House Appropriations Committee to undergo further scrutiny. The committee will evaluate the remaining bill provisions in terms of their financial impact. The proposal will then be voted on by the entire House after being approved by the Appropriations committee. The Senate would need to approve it again if the House approved the bill, with the changes. The Senate must reapprove the bill because of the differences between the House version and the Senate’s original March vote. Both chambers have to approve the legislative text in its final form before the governor can sign it. This legislative process highlights the fluid nature of Vermont’s cannabis policy.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Hemp Gazette is not a medical provider and does not offer diagnoses or treatment plans. Consult a healthcare professional before you make any decision regarding your health. The Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia (TGA) has not evaluated any statements regarding the therapeutic use of cannabis or hemp-derived products. TGA regulates the access to medical cannabis in Australia.