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 10th.

The day kicks off at 10:00 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 11:00 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

The Lake Effect Vermont team looks forward to welcoming the community to the new market, and to many years of growing together!