Lake Effect Vermont to open in a new location on June 10, 2026
Vermont Business Magazine Lake Effect Vermont, a farmer-owned cannabis market, is putting down permanent roots at a new location that has sat empty for several years: the McGregor Building at 334 US Route 2, South Hero, VT. To commemorate this rejuvenation in the Champlain Islands, the Lake Effect team is hosting a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting followed by a community celebration on Wednesday, June 10.
The day kicks off at 10 am with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for honored guests, including local lawmakers, representatives from the Lake Champlain Chamber and the Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation, and members of the press. Once the ceremony concludes, Lake Effect Vermont will open its new doors to the public at 11 am, inviting neighbors and customers to join the celebration and be the first to explore the newly renovated space.
This move opens a new chapter for Lake Effect Vermont and for the South Hero business district. Previously located on South Street, Lake Effect is moving just up Route 2 into the McGregor Building, which had been vacant for several years. “We strive to be a destination that brings new energy to the business district and gives tourists and Vermonters another great reason to visit our town,” says Sam Bellavance, Founder and CEO.
"South Hero Village is in the middle of a renaissance that has been long overdue,” says Andy Julow, Executive Director at the Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation. “Lake Effect is exactly the type of community-oriented, locally owned business we need stepping up. They have built upon the proud tradition of entrepreneurship in the islands and I’m so pleased to see them growing and moving into a more prominent showcase."
This story began back in 2018 when founder Sam Bellavance first planted hemp seeds on his family's dairy farm. What started as Sunset Lake CBD has blossomed into a robust business that now includes Sunset Lake Cannabis and Lake Effect Vermont, and employs 20 people.
"It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come," says Bellavance. "We started this journey growing hemp in the Champlain Islands on my family's dairy farm, driven by the belief that sustainable, value-added agriculture helps our communities thrive. Fast forward to 2026, and our business continues to grow; growing not only plants, but we’re also growing the number of jobs here, and are able to invest in revitalizing our town. For me, this isn't just a new storefront; it’s providing a quality working environment for our team and a better way to serve our community."
Renovating the McGregor Building signifies a deep commitment to the community of South Hero. It also provides a permanent space for the Sunset Lake CBD eCommerce team, which will be moving from a rented warehouse space in Essex to the rear portion of the building.
“Investing in the Islands is an investment in Vermont’s future,” says Cathy Davis, President of the Lake Champlain Chamber. “Sunset Lake is opening up vital new employment opportunities in Grand Isle County, proving that our business community is dedicated to driving growth in every corner of the Lake Champlain region.”
The new location, situated directly on Route 2 across from the Stewart’s Shops Mobil and next to Pan's Pizza, offers a spacious, light-filled layout outfitted with easy-to-shop display cases, while maintaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a local farm market.
"Our customers know that when they walk into Lake Effect, they aren't just buying a jar of flower or some gummies; they're connecting with the people who grew it,” says Zack Lighterman, General Manager. “Our new store offers a more comfortable shopping experience where you can really take your time, talk to our knowledgeable team, and discover a bounty of incredible, locally grown cannabis products."
Lake Effect Vermont offers a thoughtfully curated selection of Vermont-grown cannabis flower, prerolls, edibles, drinks, vape cartridges, tinctures, topicals, and CBD products from Sunset Lake Cannabis, Sunset Lake CBD, and other trusted local producers. A new display case is dedicated to highlighting small growers right here in the Champlain Islands.
Lake Effect Vermont Grand Opening Event Details:
- Ribbon Cutting (Invited Guests & Press): June 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM
- Public Celebration & Store Opening: June 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM
- New Location: 334 US Route 2, South Hero, VT 05486
- New Store Hours: Mon–Fri 10am–7pm | Sat 9am–7pm | Sun 9am–5pm
Guests of honor:
- Sen. Patrick Brennan
- Rep. Michael Morgan
- Rep. Leeland Morgan
- Ryan McLaren, Candidate for Lt. Governor
- Martha Nolan, South Hero Zoning Administrator
- Keith Dunbar, Lake Champlain Chamber
- Andy Julow, Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation
The Lake Effect Vermont team looks forward to welcoming the community to the new market, and to many years of growing together!
About Lake Effect Vermont
Lake Effect Vermont is a farmer-owned cannabis market run by the same team behind Sunset Lake Cannabis and Sunset Lake CBD. Serving the greater Lake Champlain region, Lake Effect has become a destination for customers throughout the Champlain Islands, Colchester, Milton, Plattsburgh (NY), and beyond. Known for its friendly, knowledgeable staff, the market curates a wide selection of cannabis products, with an emphasis on small, local producers who practice sustainable agriculture. The dispensary welcomes both medical patients seeking relief and adult-use customers exploring the world of Vermont cannabis, providing a judgment-free space for everyone. For more information, visit lakeeffectvt.com.
Lake Effect Vermont Contact:
Rev Baker
Director of Marketing
cell: (802) 343-7719
email: [email protected]
Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation Contact:
Andy Julow
Executive Director
phone: (802) 372-8400
email: [email protected]
Lake Champlain Chamber Contact:
Amelia Cayer
Director of Communications & Engagement
Phone: (802) 863-3489, ext. 220
email: [email protected]
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