An act relating to miscellaneous cannabis amendments
Sponsored By: Matthew J Birong (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
Business asset buyers face tax liability
Beginning July 1, 2025, bulk-transfer tax protections also cover specified taxes businesses must collect or withhold. Covered deals include business asset sales, transfers, long-term leases, and assignments outside normal business operations. The rules require written notice to the Commissioner of Taxes 10 days before the transfer. Missing notice or an existing tax claim can trigger a first-priority tax lien. Buyers can also become personally liable for the seller’s unpaid taxes.
Cannabis applicants gain licensing protections
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Cannabis Control Board cannot deny a cannabis establishment license based on a consumer credit score. When required criminal records are unavailable for reasons beyond its control, the Board may accept a commercial background check. The applicant must consent, and a reputable provider must search criminal records across multiple states and jurisdictions. Acceptance is optional, and other licensing requirements still apply.
Cannabis plant growers gain retail buyers
Beginning July 1, 2025, licensed propagation cultivators may sell cannabis clones and young plants to licensed retailers as well as cultivators. They may also test and transport these plants. Retailers gain another authorized source, and propagation growers gain another group of permitted buyers.
Unlawfully held cannabis faces seizure
Beginning July 1, 2025, law enforcement can seize cannabis held in violation of Vermont cannabis law or Cannabis Control Board rules. That cannabis is subject to forfeiture, meaning its holder can lose it permanently. This provision does not set a dollar penalty.
Cannabis workers and applicants face checks
Beginning July 1, 2025, cannabis establishment and medical dispensary card applicants need fingerprint-based state and national criminal history checks. The Cannabis Control Board may also require checks for license renewal. It may repeat checks on license applicants, their principals, and people who control an individual applicant. Repeat checks are allowed for good cause or as often as the Board considers prudent. No check fee is specified.
Some hemp products face cannabis rules
Beginning July 1, 2025, certain hemp-derived products count as cannabis products rather than hemp products. This applies when Board rules prohibit them or they exceed 0.3% total THC by dry weight. Board licensees and registrants may possess them only as their license or hemp processor registration allows.
Nicotine sellers face broader tobacco rules
Beginning July 1, 2025, Vermont’s tobacco definitions cover natural and synthetic nicotine, including related nicotine chemicals called alkaloids and analogs. The “other tobacco products” category covers products consumed by smoking, chewing, or other means, with exclusions for separately defined products. “New smokeless tobacco” covers products not meant to be smoked that have under 45% moisture or come in single-use units. Manufacturers and sellers of newly covered products face the requirements for those categories. These changes state no tax rate or dollar amount.
Cannabis labels give shoppers clearer dates
Beginning July 1, 2025, cannabis packages must show both the harvest date and the date packaged for sale. These replace the previous produced-on date. Businesses responsible for packaging must provide both dates, giving shoppers more specific product information.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Matthew J Birong
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Lucy Boyden
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
House message: Governor approved bill on June 11, 2025
6/13/2025HouseSigned by Governor on June 11, 2025
6/11/2025HouseDelivered to Governor on June 5, 2025
6/5/2025HouseSenate Message: House proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendment concurred in
5/30/2025SenateRules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth
5/30/2025SenateHouse proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendment concurred in
5/30/2025SenateHouse proposal of amendment to Senate proposal of amendment, text
5/30/2025SenateRules suspended & taken up for immediate consideration, on motion of Senator Baruth
5/30/2025SenateHouse message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment with proposal of amendment
5/30/2025HouseRules suspended and bill messaged forthwith to the Senate as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney
5/30/2025HouseSenate proposal of amendment concurred in with further amendment thereto, as offered by Rep. Birong of Vergennes, as amended
5/30/2025HouseWhich was agreed to
5/30/2025HouseRep. Harrison of Chittenden moved to amend the amendment
5/30/2025HouseWhich was agreed to
5/30/2025HouseRep. Birong of Vergennes moved to suspend Rule 78 to permit reconsideration immediately
5/30/2025HouseSenate proposal of amendment concurred in with further amendment thereto, as offered by Rep. Birong of Vergennes
5/30/2025HouseAction Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/30/2025HouseNotice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/29/2025HouseSenate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
5/28/2025SenateRules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth
5/28/2025SenateRead 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
5/28/2025SenateRules suspended & bill placed on all remaining stages of passage, on motion of Senator Baruth
5/28/2025Senate3rd reading ordered
5/28/2025SenateProposal of amendment by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs, as amended, agreed to
5/28/2025SenateProposal of amendment by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs amended as recommended by Committee on Finance
5/28/2025Senate
Bill Text
As Enacted (ACT 56)Opens in a new window
6/18/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers
6/3/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
6/3/2025
Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/29/2025
Senate Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)
5/29/2025
As Passed by the House
3/26/2025
As Passed by the House (Unofficial)
3/26/2025
As Introduced
2/24/2025
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