Vermont Responsible Vendor Certification

Vermont Cannabis Control Board (CCB) Rule 2.2.5(b)(i-v) and 2.2.5(c) require that all customer-facing employees of retail establishments complete “Retail Employee Training” and they must not sell cannabis or products to consumers until they are certified to do so compliantly. Under Vermont’s “Cannabis Establishments” laws (Chapter 033), retail establishment employees must complete cannabis education requirements mandated by the Vermont CCB (7 V.S.A. § 865b) that’s an approved training program and must be completed at least once every two (2) years thereafter for this required CCB certification.

In Vermont, cannabis regulation is overseen by the Cannabis Control Board, which is responsible for administering both the adult-use and medical cannabis programs. In addition to regulating cannabis, the Board also oversees the manufacturing of hemp and CBD products. Vermont offers six distinct types of cannabis licenses: cultivation, manufacturing, retail, wholesale, testing laboratories, and integrated licenses. Municipalities are prohibited from imposing any specific tax on cannabis products, ensuring a consistent regulatory environment across the state.

As mandated by Vermont’s cannabis laws (7 V.S.A. 865(a)), all customer-facing employees of Cannabis Establishments must complete the Retail Employee Training before they are permitted to sell cannabis or cannabis products to consumers. This training is a crucial requirement to ensure employees are well-versed in regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and public safety within the cannabis industry.

The training provides comprehensive knowledge on various topics essential for responsible retail operations. Employees are taught about the health effects of cannabis and cannabis products, gaining an understanding of how these products may impact consumers. This knowledge enables them to provide informed service and ensure customers make safe and responsible choices.

The course also covers the importance of preventing the sale of cannabis to minors, emphasizing strict adherence to age verification protocols to maintain compliance with legal requirements. Employees will also learn to recognize the signs of overconsumption and the indications of mental health or substance abuse disorders, equipping them to manage situations where customers may be at risk and ensuring the safety and well-being of all patrons.