House public-health committee previews amendment to revert THC limits; health department urges caution

A draft amendment to reverse proposed increases in THC per-package and single‑purchase limits was presented to the House public-health committee during the House Human Services session. The chair said the amendment, filed under Representative Sophie Zapatney's name on the web posting, would return statutory limits to existing law. She noted the change was not requested by the Cannabis Control Board and said the committee should act as a public-health committee when evaluating cannabis policy.

Livingston, recorded in the session as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Health, strongly supported the amendment. Livingston said poisoning-call data and limited emergency department information suggest caution and that the department "would really like to leave it as it is as we monitor how this progresses." Livingston added that Vermont's cannabis use rates are relatively high across age groups, and urged prudence before increasing access or dose amounts.

The chair asked members to let her know whether they want their names on the amendment draft so it can be filed and placed on the calendar; she said members should indicate whether they want their names removed or kept and noted the committee cannot offer it as a committee amendment. She also said the bill is moving and that the committee will need to take up the amendment later the same day if the calendar permits.

No vote was taken on the amendment in this session. The chair asked members to decide by the close of business whether to remain listed as sponsors so the amendment can be scheduled for floor consideration.