Lt. Governor John Rodgers supports for important changes in Vermont cannabis legislation

On April 24, 2025, the governor of Vermont Lieutenant John Rodgers asked the Senate to consider significant changes in a cannabis law previously adopted by the house. Rodgers, especially the only nationwide civil servant in the United States, who held a cannabis cultivation license, emphasized the need for reforms to support small producers and consumers.

Key suggestions from Lt. Governor Rodgers

1. Sales of direct consumers: Rodgers is committed to ensuring that cannabis construction shops can sell their products directly to consumers. He argues that the current system prefers single dealers who selectively choose for suppliers and marginalize so many competent producers. “Because the retailers now keep all tickets,” said Rodgers. “You can twist people out of ice. You can choose who you want to deal with and you have a whole series of really good producers who don't have enough market.”
2. Public consumer parity: He also suggests enabling the public consumption of cannabis in areas where tobacco consumption is permitted. Rodgers underlines the challenges that people with apartments or places where private consumption is not possible. “We have legalized marijuana – cannabis – and there are no place to smoke,” he noted. “You should be allowed to smoke cannabis wherever you can consume tobacco products.”

Rodgers' unique position as a political and a cannabis cultivator offers him an insight into the challenges of the industry. His suggestions aim to create a fairer and accessible cannabis market in Vermont.