The state panel that regulates Vermont's cannabis industry voted Wednesday to temporarily stop accepting applications for new retail licenses, a move that comes amid growing concerns the market has become oversaturated in some cities and towns.
The decision, which is set to take effect Oct. 25, marks the first time the Cannabis Control Board has shut off new retail applications since the first such businesses opened in October 2022. Board members said at a meeting Wednesday they plan to reopen applications in the future, though have not settled on a specific date.
The board also voted Wednesday to temporarily stop accepting applications for a certain type of cannabis cultivation license. These licenses dictate how much cannabis product someone is allowed to cultivate, and whether it can be indoors or outdoors, or both.
The new restrictions impact those looking to cultivate 2,500 square feet or less of plant cover. Regulators previously shut off new licensing for larger prospective cultivators. The board made no changes to the smallest tier of cultivation license, for those looking to cultivate 1,000 square feet of plant cover or less, either indoors or outdoors.
Read more at VT Digger.