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What are Vermont Cannabis Retailer Principles?
The Retailer Principles were formed and maintained by the VGA Retailer Working Group to set forth an inclusive range of issues of vital importance to the regulated cannabis industry that local retailers can embrace and engage as a unique license type in the markets' structure in striving to contribute to a more fair, economically viable, racially just, and agriculturally accessible market. The Retailer Principles is a living document that will change as cannabis laws change in Vermont and federally.
In the wake of the disastrous July 2023 storms,
the tragic reality of more frequent extreme weather events as the result of human-caused climate change, and the lack of federal relief available to the cannabis industry, we started the Vermont Cannabis Industry Emergency Fund as a permanent relief fund for Vermont-licensed cannabis farms and businesses impacted by natural and unnatural disasters.
Vermont Cannabis Retailer Principles
Below are nine core principles for Vermont retailers to serve as a foundation for just, sensible, and clear guardrails to allow local retailers to contribute to an economically viable, racially just, and agriculturally accessible world-renowned regulated cannabis industry that surpasses the reputation and equity of Vermont's other cottage industries, such as beer and cheese. We will keep these principles updated as the state and federal regulatory landscapes change.
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Example: An example of this principle would be supporting policy for a market structure that is inclusive and not exclusive, for instance, supporting scale-appropriate production caps instead of limiting market access to new entrants, keeping licensee fees affordable, and ensuring consistent operations and regulatory accountability within the agency.
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Example: An example of this principle would be developing a diversity and inclusion plan for your business, bringing awareness to the history of criminalizing cannabis and systemic racism, and supporting continuing educational opportunities centered around BIPOC and other minority groups and community building.
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Example: An example of this principle is to strive to carry local small independent cultivators and manufacturers with the intent to contribute to the local multiplier effect and bring economic growth and community reinvestment through keeping dollars and decision-making in Vermont.
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Example: An example of this principle is communicating with a cultivator and manufacturer that their product is being placed on sale and explaining why. Though the product is in the custody of a retailer, initiating and maintaining clear and transparent communication with producers surrounding pricing matters fosters good relationships.
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Example: An example of this principle is striking the excise and sales tax from purchases for patients and caregivers, increasing accessibility, safety, and privacy, holding special hours for the medical cannabis community, and supporting advocacy for more robust state medical improvements.
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Example: An example of this principle is labeling bulk cannabis as the producer's product, not the retailer's product, such as including logos of producers over retailer logos, not creating labels that confuse the consumer.
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Example: An example of this principle is centering a cultivator's or manufacturer's brand when promoting products, educating consumers on the local artisan behind the products they enjoy, and fostering relationships between producers and the general public.
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Example: An example of this principle is using inclusive wording for job ads and throughout the hiring process, internal promotion, and standardized interviewing criteria that focus on accessing and prioritizing skills and competencies.
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Example: An example of this principle is continuing to carry other local independent small cultivators and manufacturers if vertically integrated and not undercutting their price point.