HOME / EVENTS / CRAFT FIRST / EPISODE 1
Craft First, How a Legal Cannabis Market Can Help Rebuild Vermont’s Economy After COVID-19
Episode 1, June 4, 2020
Join us Thursday evening for the first episode of Craft First, a panel discussion on what a craft cannabis industry looks like in Vermont, and how that market can help rebuild our state economy and restore jobs and revenue after the health crisis. Panelists include some of our favorite local retailers, farmers, and craft cultivators, and bring your questions, there will be a moderated QA after the discussion.
This event is now over. Watch the full episode below.
Episode Panel
Greg Newman
Greg is the owner of Emerald Rose Grows, located in Bristol, Vermont. Emerald Rose has been in business for almost 2 years. They specialize in organic gardening, both indoors and outdoors. With years of experience, Emerald Rose offers realistic and trustworthy advice, for gardeners of all levels. Visit site →
Megan Payne & Shawn Lenihan
Megan and Shawn are the owners of Kismet Farm, a diversified farm cultivating botanically curious cut flowers and Vermont certified organic hemp. They implement regenerative agricultural practices that honor our land, community and our earth. Nestled in the heart of the green mountains cultivating beauty and health for the people and by the people. Megan and Shawn are Gold Medal Winners at the 2019 Vermont's Growers Cup. Visit site →
Jane & Ben Lanza
Jane and Ben are the owners of This is Family Tree. A family of scientists and farmers who grow organic hemp. From soil to oil, all of their products are handcrafted. Their outdoor hemp grows hillside in the sun with fresh Vermont air and water fed by Sheldon Springs. Family Tree produces high-potency CBD, free of solvents, chemicals, and fungicides. Visit site →
John F. & Senator Rodgers
John F., Senator Rodgers, and family, are the owners of The Vermont Farmers Hemp Company, a small family farm located in West Glover, a quiet town in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. VFHC’s goal is simple: grow our hemp with respect for the plant and the land, and create the highest quality products possible. Visit site →
Scott Sparks
Scott is the owner of Vermont Hempicurean. After spending 45 years in foodservice, in 2017, Scott decided to jump off a cliff and open a hemp store focused on selling Vermont CBD products. Vermont Hempicurean opened in Brattleboro, VT in April 2018, adding an online store and grow supplies soon after. Visit site →
What is Craft First?
Craft First is an online discussion series on cannabis in Vermont, with local business leaders, farmers, product makers, breeders, hash makers, policymakers, and more. Craft First events are live-streamed on Zoom for free to the public and often include a Q&A session after the discussion. We hope to hold these discussions fairly regularly, with topics ranging from policy and public affairs issues to agriculture, business, skill-sharing, and more. If you wish to participate as a panelist in a Craft First event, or have an idea for a future episode, send us an email.