A Vermont-based cannabis grower has been fined $20,000 for posting an Instagram photo of an out-of-state delivery. The grower, Northeast Kingdom Hemp, violated Vermont’s cannabis laws by transporting cannabis products across state lines and advertising the activity on social media.
According to state regulators, the photo showed a shipment of Northeast Kingdom Hemp’s products being delivered to a customer in New York. The photo also included the caption “New York delivery.”
As a result of the violation, Northeast Kingdom Hemp has been fined $20,000 and will be required to implement new compliance measures to prevent future violations. The company has also been ordered to cease all out-of-state deliveries and advertising that promotes such activities.
This incident highlights the challenges that cannabis companies face when operating in a patchwork of state regulations. While some states have legalized cannabis for adult use, others still prohibit its use entirely. Crossing state lines with cannabis products is strictly prohibited under federal law, and companies that engage in such activities risk severe legal and financial penalties.
For cannabis businesses, it’s essential to stay up-to-date on state and federal regulations and to implement robust compliance measures to prevent violations. While social media can be a powerful tool for marketing and building brand awareness, companies must be cautious about what they post online to avoid running afoul of state and federal cannabis laws.
