Act 164 (passed in 2020) set a framework for the legalization of recreational cannabis in Vermont. Although rules being developed statewide Cannabis Control Board will mainly determine how cannabis operations are regulated, there are two main ways municipalities can have local control.
First, retail sales of cannabis are only permitted in a municipality when it approves it through a vote of the majority of registered voters by Australian ballot at a duly warned and noticed public meeting. Secondly, municipalities may regulate all types of cannabis establishments through its zoning bylaws within the parameters of state law.
The Town of Essex and Village of Essex Junction are separately considering both of these options within their jurisdictions. More information is available on the Town website: https://www.essexvt.org/1013/7980/Cannabis-in-the-Community
Do you have questions about this issue? Learn more and get your questions answered at the upcoming community forum on Tuesday, December 7th at 4:30pm. Participation options include:
- In-person at the Town Offices (81 Main Street, Downstairs Conference Room, Essex Jct, VT 05452)
- From a computer or mobile device, use the meeting link: https://www.essexvt.org/1026/7981/Cannabis-Community-Forum-Teams-Link
- Call in with a phone to 802-377-3784 and use the conference ID 960 163 73#.
- Public wifi is available at the Essex municipal offices, libraries, and at hotspots mapped by the VT Public Service Dept: https://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/public-wifi-hotspots-vermont
Can't make it to the meeting? Don't worry, a recording will be made available, and more meetings will be held in the coming months.
Please direct all inquiries to Robin Pierce (robin@essexjunction.org), (802) 878-6950.