Vermont Bill Would Require Cities to Vote on Allowing Marijuana Stores During 2026 Election

Legislation filed today in Vermont would require every municipality that has not already taken a formal vote on marijuana retailers to do so at the 2026 general election, effectively forcing the question onto the ballot statewide. House Bill 633, introduced today by State Rep. Edward Waszazak (D), has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. The proposal applies to any city, town, or incorporated village that, as of July 1, 2026, has not affirmatively voted on whether to allow licensed marijuana establishments to operate locally.

Under the bill, affected municipalities would be required to place a binding question on the 2026 general election ballot, asking voters whether licensed marijuana retailers should be authorized to operate within the municipality.

Vermont law currently allows municipalities to opt in or opt out of allowing marijuana retailers through local votes, but many communities have never formally addressed the issue, leaving them in a regulatory gray area. HB 633 would remove that ambiguity by compelling a yes-or-no decision from voters in those jurisdictions.

The bill also clarifies that municipalities would retain the ability to reverse course later. If voters approve marijuana retailers, that decision could still be rescinded through the existing local repeal process already outlined in state law.

If enacted, the measure would not automatically authorize marijuana sales in any municipality, but it would ensure that all communities have explicitly weighed in on the issue. The bill would take effect upon passage, setting the stage for a statewide round of local votes during the 2026 election cycle.