Federal pardons for Marijuana convictions are expected to have little impact
While this move indicates a shift in the federal outlook of the cannabis industry, officials said Vermont has been ahead of the game for quite some time.
MONTPELIER - The Biden administration is now granting pardons for some people with federal marijuana convictions.
The pardons apply to those with simple marijuana possession convictions.
While this move indicates a shift in the federal outlook of the cannabis industry officials said Vermont has been ahead of the game for quite some time.
Control board chair James Pepper thinks the president's pardons are a step in the right direction.
"They are largely symbolic they don't move anyone out of federal prison, they don't mitigate any of the harms those convictions have done," Pepper said.
The board is responsible for regulating marijuana in the state and granting opportunities to those impacted by the once locally criminalized industry.
Nick Mattei, Director of Cultivation at Forbin's Finest, a retail shop in Barre said he never dreamed he would one day own and operate a business centered around cannabis.
"In 2006, I was arrested for three plants probably about that tall. it was related to a noise complaint and then ended up at our place and because of that I served 45 days in jail," Mattei said. "It's been a complete reversal from where we were 5 years ago, which is good and is something I believed in for a long time I'm really glad to see opinions changing."
Mattei was among the first to receive licensing approval through special grants offered by Vermont's Cannabis Control Board.
"We were able to roll out year one with retail and cultivation and that would not have been possible without not only the grants but also some of the other help from the CCB," Mattei said.
According to the Cannabis Control board, the state granted 220 Vermonters pardons and expungements and continues to provide services to ensure new business owners can find success as the industry lights up across the state.
