Vermont issues its first three retail cannabis licenses

The Vermont Cannabis Control Board on Wednesday issued licenses to three businesses in Burlington, Rutland and Middlebury, allowing them to open cannabis dispensaries in the coming weeks.

These three companies are Vermont's first to get the green light for retail sales.

«Today's approved licenses mark a historic moment for Vermont, spanning several decades,» said board chairman James Pepper in a statement.

The State of Vermont has authorized the Cannabis Control Board to begin issuing retail licenses «no later than» October 1, the date that will unofficially launch the adult-use cannabis market.

Existing medical clinics and candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds cannabis prohibition were given priority by the board. The company Mountain Girl Cannabis, who received one of the first three licenses, was one of two »social equity» candidates.

The retailers can start selling cannabis as soon as they receive their license, provided they have paid their fees and met certain conditions such as employee training on the health effects of cannabis, required by the state, and local government approval, where applicable.

«This date will vary from company to company,» said the Cannabis Control Board in a press release.

In Burlington, the city council has banned retail sales until October 1. Russ Todia, COO of Ceres Collaborative, one of the state's largest dispensaries that also received one of the first licenses, said his company would open its doors as close to that date as possible.