In response to concerns about oversupply and to protect smaller, local cultivators, Vermont has announced a temporary halt to the issuance of new licenses for large-scale cannabis growers. The decision is part of the state’s broader strategy to regulate its emerging legal cannabis market while prioritizing support for small farmers and equity-focused initiatives. Vermont’s move reflects challenges seen in other states, such as Oregon and Oklahoma, where an excess of cannabis has led to price declines. The state’s outdoor cannabis growers have additionally faced a challenging year due to heavy rains, resulting in a reduced harvest.
As part of its ongoing efforts, Vermont is gearing up to launch one of the nation’s first state-run cannabis testing labs. Expected to be operational in January, the lab, located in either Randolph or Colchester, will complement testing services provided by existing private labs in the state.