Sharon, Vermont Voters Reject Cannabis Dispensary Proposal

Date: August 27, 2024

In a closely watched election, Sharon residents delivered a surprising result as they voted against a proposal to convert a local diner into a marijuana dispensary. The final tally showed a narrow margin with 137 votes opposing the retail cannabis initiative against 135 in favor.

The Proposal: A Retail Cannabis and Ice Cream Experience

The proposal aimed to revive the former Sandy’s Drive-In building, which has been vacant since a fire closed it in 2022. Local entrepreneur Sean Trombly, who also operates Trombly’s House of Cannabis in nearby Chelsea, sought to transform the space into a cannabis dispensary combined with an ice cream stand.

Having purchased the Sandy’s property, Trombly gathered support for his vision, later presenting a petition to the Selectboard that represented 5% of the town’s voters calling for a public vote. However, the recent results caught him off guard.

Trombly’s Reaction: Disappointment and Uncertainty

In a statement following the vote, Trombly described the outcome as “surprising and devastating.” Many community members have reached out to him urging a petition for a revote, though he remains uncertain about proceeding with that course of action.

Currently, all renovation efforts have been halted as Trombly reassesses his options. He stated, “Ultimately, I’ll use the property for something, but cannabis is currently the only retail option I am considering.”

Community Response: Divided Opinions on Cannabis Retail

The vote reflected the division within the community, with some residents celebrating the outcome. Local resident Alexandre Bird expressed his relief over the decision, citing concerns about the high levels of THC in modern cannabis products.

Bird remarked, “This isn’t your father’s pot.” Research indicates that the THC potency in cannabis has skyrocketed, with levels increasing tenfold over the past 50 years. The data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse reveals that from the 1960s through the 1980s, average THC levels were around 2%, but had surged to approximately 16% in recent years.

In Vermont, regulations limit the THC content in cannabis flower products to 30%, while solid concentrates can contain up to 60%. Liquids for vaping or tinctures face no potency restrictions.

Safety and Proximity Concerns

Bird also raised safety concerns regarding the proposed location’s proximity to schools, as the Sandy’s site is roughly a mile from Sharon’s elementary school, as well as The Sharon Academy’s middle and high school campuses. According to state guidance, cannabis retailers cannot establish shops within 500 feet of school property.

On the other hand, resident Michael Waterman expressed disappointment in the outcome, arguing that existing liquor stores and tobacco outlets are similarly located near schools. He emphasized that the closest cannabis retailers are around 15 minutes away, in nearby Bethel and White River Junction, indicating a desire for increased local access to cannabis products.

Statewide Context: The Cannabis Landscape in Vermont

The rejection of retail cannabis in Sharon aligns with ongoing discussions around cannabis regulation in Vermont. Since the state legalized recreational cannabis sales in 2022, towns must actively “opt in” to allowing retail operations through public votes. So far, 77 towns have chosen to opt in, with Vermont hosting 86 licensed retail locations, primarily clustered in higher population areas such as Burlington, Rutland, and Montpelier.

As of recent decisions from the state’s Cannabis Control Board, they have announced a moratorium on issuing new retail and cultivation licenses that began on October 25. This move has stirred considerable uncertainty about the future for emerging cannabis businesses like Trombly’s.

Next Steps for Trombly and Local Cannabis Operations

Trombly had aimed to meet the license application deadline had the proposal passed, intending to launch two establishments—a cannabis retail outlet and a foodservice option—within the renovated Sandy’s building.

Despite the setback, Trombly remains committed to integrating a retail location into his business plan. However, the future of such aspirations hangs in the balance as he and other local operators navigate the complex regulatory landscape and community sentiment surrounding cannabis.

Conclusion: The Future of Cannabis in Sharon

The recent election result serves as a reminder of the challenges facing cannabis entrepreneurs in communities that have been slow to embrace the emerging market. As the industry evolves, future decisions will play a pivotal role in determining how Vermont’s cannabis landscape develops in the months and years to come.