The CCB awarded the retail licenses to Mountain Girl Cannabis in Rutland and FLORA Cannabis in Middlebury and granted one integrated license to CeresMED medical cannabis dispensary in Burlington. Mountain Girl Cannabis was the first social equity applicant to receive a retail license.

The integrated license allows CeresMED to engage in “all activities allowed under all current adult-use licenses,” including cultivation, manufacturing, testing and distribution.

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In April, CeresMED stated if it was awarded a license, it would plan to open an adult-use storefront by October—right on the mark for when adult-use sales are expected to launch Oct. 1.

While the CCB released the retail licenses two weeks ahead of schedule, it noted that it recognizes not everyone may be able to engage in the market this year due to it missing its initial May 1 deadline to begin issuing licenses.

“While these approvals mark a turning point in the road to a more sensible adult-use marketplace, it is important to note that this is not the end of the journey,” the CCB stated.