Put Cannabis Retail on the Ballot in Stowe

Vermont has already legalized cannabis, and there is a well established culture of marijuana in the state. More importantly, Stowe residents are already buying today. The question is whether those purchases should happen through regulated, licensed businesses that contribute to our community, or continue flowing to unregulated sources and/or outside of the town of Stowe.

A licensed local cannabis retailer can generate significant tax revenue, create jobs, and meet the demand of customers who already visit Stowe's shops, restaurants, and small businesses. Those dollars can help support local priorities at a time when tradition economic drivers become more unpredictable.

Regulated cannabis sales also provide important consumer protections. Licensed products are tested, labeled, and sold only to adults 21 and older under strict state oversight. By expanding access to legal, regulated products, communities can help reduce reliance on the black market, where products are untested and sales occur without age verification or consumer safeguards.

History has shown that prohibition alone does not eliminate demand. Instead, well-regulated markets provide transparency, accountability, and clear rules that help communities manage an industry that already exists. A Stowe dispensary would also be an opportunity to showcase the unique outdoor luxury brand that the town has come to represent.

Finally it should be clear that ultimately the petition is not about telling residents how to vote, it is about giving Stowe voters the opportunity to decide what approach is best for our town.

Whether you support or oppose a cannabis retailer, we believe the decision should be made by the people of Stowe at the ballot box.