The Cannabis Retailers Association of Vermont (CRAV) is a nonprofit trade organization formed to represent and support licensed cannabis retailers throughout the state. Founded in 2023, CRAV serves as the collective voice for Vermont’s cannabis retail sector, advocating for fair regulations, sustainable business practices, and collaboration across the state’s growing cannabis industry. While retailers are the core members, CRAV’s mission extends to promoting a thriving ecosystem that benefits cultivators, manufacturers, consumers, and local communities alike (crvt.org).
CRAV plays a vital role in advocacy and policy development by gathering input from its members and presenting unified recommendations to Vermont’s Cannabis Control Board (CCB). The association works to influence legislation that supports local businesses, fosters consumer safety, and sustains market stability. Beyond policy, CRAV also focuses on education and networking—hosting meetings, events, and training opportunities that connect retailers with growers, processors, and other industry professionals. Through these efforts, the organization helps strengthen Vermont’s cannabis community while encouraging professionalism, compliance, and responsible retailing (crvt.org).
In addition to advocacy and education, CRAV supports its members through marketing initiatives, promotional opportunities, and collaborative campaigns. For example, in response to the devastating floods that hit Vermont in 2023, CRAV organized the Higher Calling Festival, a two-day music and community event that raised funds for cannabis businesses affected by the disaster. At least half of the ticket proceeds were dedicated to relief efforts, showing the association’s commitment not just to business interests but to community resilience as well (ganjapreneur.com).
CRAV’s objectives align with key principles seen throughout Vermont’s cannabis industry—community, leadership, education, and advocacy. The association emphasizes collaboration among all licensed operators, helping to bridge the gap between cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers. In doing so, it promotes transparency, fair competition, and local sourcing, which are essential for maintaining the integrity of Vermont’s small-business-focused market. These goals often complement the broader values shared by organizations such as the Vermont Growers Association (VGA), which also advocates for equity, local economic growth, and restorative justice in cannabis regulation (vermontgrowers.org).
Vermont’s retail cannabis market operates under Act 164, a 2020 law requiring towns to “opt in” before allowing cannabis stores to open. This system has led to uneven access across the state, with some communities still prohibiting sales altogether. CRAV’s advocacy helps address these challenges by pushing for more consistent opportunities for retailers and consumers, as well as clearer communication between local governments and the CCB (vermontgrowers.org). By creating a unified voice for cannabis retailers, CRAV ensures that businesses—especially small, independently owned shops—can adapt to these evolving regulations and succeed in a competitive and highly regulated market.
Ultimately, CRAV serves as a cornerstone for Vermont’s cannabis retail community. It provides representation in state policy discussions, fosters professional development, and creates a network of mutual support among license holders. For consumers, this translates into more consistent access, transparency, and quality assurance. For retailers, CRAV offers advocacy, resources, and a sense of shared purpose. As Vermont’s cannabis market continues to mature, the Cannabis Retailers Association of Vermont will remain essential in guiding its growth, ensuring that the industry remains locally driven, ethically operated, and sustainably built for the future.
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