Owen Carpenter-Zehe reported this story on assignment from Vermont Public with the outlet’s Sophie Stephens. The Community News Service is a program in which University of Vermont students work with professional editors to provide content for local news outlets at no cost.
Several towns asked Vermonters to authorize cannabis retailers Tuesday during annual town meetings.
In Cavendish, voters narrowly approved retailers 182 in support and 168 against through an Australian ballot vote, according to unofficial numbers. Killington voters also approved their cannabis retailers proposal.
However, not all towns were on board. Ryegate did not approve a proposal to allow retailers in town, despite support from some residents.
Paula Doherty recently became a full-time Ryegate resident, and showed support for the failed proposal.
“It’s everywhere now, so if Vermont stands to make money on it, I think it should go forward,” Doherty said.
A cannabis retailer proposal also failed in Highgate.