Hinesburg and Fairfax Reject Retail Cannabis Sales in Town Meeting Day Votes

4 March 2025

Voters in Hinesburg and Fairfax, Vermont, rejected proposals to allow retail cannabis sales in their communities. The measure in Hinesburg failed by just six votes—620 in favor and 626 against—while Fairfax showed stronger opposition. These decisions highlight ongoing local hesitancy despite Vermont's legal framework, which allows municipalities to opt in for dispensaries.

The vote comes as Vermont’s Cannabis Control Board has paused new retail licenses, citing market saturation in areas like Burlington. State regulators are considering incentives for businesses to expand into smaller towns, but local resistance, as seen in these votes, could hinder that effort.