Farmers markets want to sell marijuana; here's why they can't

Casey O’Neill is good at selling vegetables.The legacy outdoor cultivator in Mendocino County, California, says he’s also pretty good at selling marijuana.

ADVERTISEMENT But although O’Neill’s HappyDay Farms is both a state-licensed cannabis cultivator and a verified participant in county-certified farmers markets, he cannot sell his operation’s produce and marijuana at the same table.And despite significant interest from consumers, county agricultural commissioners and farmers market organizers, O’Neill won’t be able to sell his marijuana at such events until state lawmakers change how cannabis businesses are licensed and how regulated MJ is sold.

Until then, significant opportunity – and money – will be left on the table by struggling marijuana businesses across the country, according to observers such as Genine Coleman, executive director of the California-based Origins Council, which advocates for small outdoor farmers.“Direct-to-consumer for small craft producers on the state and federal level remains one of (the) top priorities” for national advocacy organizations such as the National Craft Cannabis Coalition, Coleman said.

Farmers markets can offer liquor but not marijuana From California to New York, small farms are attempting to diversify by offering craft marijuana along with produce at farmers markets and via community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.There are some existing opportunities.

For example, cannabis is currently showcased – and sold – at special events such as the annual California State Fair in Sacramento.And New York Gov.

Kathy Hochul earlier this year signed legislation legalizing a “cannabis showcase event permit” allowing for marijuana-specific farmers markets – with the participation of a licensed retailer.However, that’s not quite the direct-to-consumer opportunity that small- to medium-sized businesses want and need.

As the spendy offeri...