Vermont Medical Marijuana Card

What’s the deal with medical marijuana in Vermont? What are the Vermont marijuana laws? Medical marijuana is legal, and there’s Vermont recreational marijuana, but there’s still so much more you need to know. In this piece, we’ll guide you on how to safely access marijuana in Vermont without breaking the law by obtaining a Vermont medical marijuana card. 

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Vermont?

Vermont legalized medical marijuana on May 19, 2004, when the state legislature passed S 76, An Act Relating to the Medical Use of Marijuana. Initially, the bill had only a few qualifying conditions, but the state has added more conditions over the years.

The bill set up the Vermont Marijuana Registry and eliminated penalties for the possession and cultivation of cannabis. The Vermont Marijuana Registry (VMR) is in charge of regulating medical cannabis and issuing medical marijuana cards to qualified patients.

According to the Vermont Cannabis Control Board, there are 4767 patients enrolled in the state’s medical-marijuana program as of June 25, 2021. 

Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Vermont?

Yes, the Vermont legislature legalized recreational marijuana in 2018, but sales won’t begin until late 2022.

The road to organization began with decriminalization on June 6, 2013, when Governor Peter Shumlin signed HB200, decriminalizing the possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana.

In 2014, Governor Shumlin expressed support for a law to tax and regulate cannabis, and in 2015, Senate Bill 95 and House bill 277 were submitted, proposing the sale and taxation of recreational cannabis. However, both bills didn’t pass the 2015 legislative session.

Vermont recreational marijuana finally arrived on January 22, 2018, when the state became the first in the US to legalize recreational cannabis without using a ballot initiative. 

The Vermont Cannabis Control Board began accepting applications for adult-use licenses on April 1, 2022. These licenses included Vermont recreational dispensary licenses, cultivation licenses, laboratories, manufacturers, and others. Adult-use sales will begin in October 2022.  

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Vermont

Before the sale of recreational marijuana is fully in swing later in 2022, the only way you can access marijuana in Vermont is through the medical route. However, you can’t get access to medical marijuana without your Vermont MMJ card.

So, how can you apply for a medical marijuanas card in Vermont? It’s a simple process.

Step 1: Speak with a qualified physician and get a certification for medical marijuana treatment. Any of the following health care providers are qualified to provide a certification: 

• Licensed physicians (MD, DO)
• Licensed naturopathic doctors (ND)
• Certified physician assistants (PA)
• Licensed advanced practice registered nurses (APRN)
• Psychologists
• Clinical social workers
• Clinical mental health counselors

Licensed healthcare professionals who hold equivalent positions in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or New York also qualify.

Your certification must be written by a physician with whom you share a bonafide patient-doctor relationship. This means that the doctor must have been treating or conducting with you for at least three months, and they have your medical history. 

The three-month period does not apply if a patient is under hospice care or diagnosed with a terminal illness, cancer, or AIDS.

If your doctor believes you’ll benefit from medical marijuana treatment, they will complete the Healthcare Professional Verification form on your behalf. Patients who list PTSD as their qualifying condition must submit a completed Mental Health Care Provider Form.

Step 2: Visit the Cannabis Control Board website and open a New Patient account. Complete the form and attach the required documents, including a non-refundable $50 application fee.

Step 3: Within 30 days after submitting your application, you will receive a response from the Cannabis Control Board. If your application is successful, you will receive the medical cannabis card, valid for one year.

How to Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Vermont

Before you apply for a medical marijuana card in Vermont, you must:

• Be a Vermont resident with proof of residency. Acceptable proofs of residency include a utility bill, bank statement, mortgage or rental agreement, and any correspondence with a state department.
• Be aged 18 or over and
• Have a qualifying condition.
• Have a state-issued ID

Minors can apply via a designated caregiver. Caregivers must be at least 21 years old, Vermont residents with proof of residency, and undergo a criminal background check. The qualifying conditions are: 

• Cancer
• Multiple sclerosis
• HIV or AIDS
• Glaucoma
• Crohn’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (requires the Mental Health Care Provider Form)

You are eligible for a Vermont medical marijuanas card if you have a medical condition that produces one or more of the following symptoms:

• Wasting syndrome
• Chronic pain
• Severe nausea
• Seizures

How Do I Renew My Medical Marijuana Card in Vermont?

It is best to renew your medical marijuana card before it expires. To renew, you must be certified again and pay the $50 application fee.

Vermont Marijuana Laws

Medical and recreational marijuana may be legal in Vermont, but you can still commit marijuana crimes if unaware of the laws.

Below are the laws you need to take note of.

Marijuana Possession in Vermont

Patients can possess up to 2 ounces of medical marijuana and 5 grams of cannabis concentrate, while adults 21 and older who are not medical marijuana patients can possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana. 

If you grow your marijuana at home, it is not included in the 1-ounce limit. If you’re transporting marijuana, it must be in a locked container and out of public view.

Does Vermont Have Reciprocity?

No, dispensaries in Vermont will sell to only Vermont medical marijuanas card holders. However, since recreational use is legal, adults 21 and older from out of state can buy and consume marijuana in Vermont when dispensaries open.

Cultivation in Vermont 

Patients can cultivate their cannabis at home and grow up to 9 plants, but only two can be mature. Adults can grow up to two mature plants at home.

Where Can You Consume Cannabis in Vermont?

You can’t consume cannabis in public spaces, so your home is the best place to enjoy cannabis. Public consumption of cannabis can result in a $100 fine. It is also illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis.

First-time offenders face a $750 fine and up to two years in jail, while those with more than four convictions face ten years in jail and a $5000 fine.

Vermont Medical Marijuanas Dispensary

With your Vermont medical marijuanas card, you can purchase medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary. There are five medical marijuana dispensaries in Vermont, and a sixth dispensary will open when the number of medical marijuana patients reaches 7,000.

Before visiting a dispensary, you need to know the Vermont dispensary laws:

• When registering for the medical cannabis program, you must choose a designated dispensary; you can choose only one dispensary at a time.
• You can change your dispensary once in 30 days.
• Before changing your dispensary, you must submit a Cardholder Information Notification form and pay a $25 fee. If you want to change your dispensary, the form is available here.
• Before you visit your designated dispensary to purchase, you must schedule an appointment.

The location and contacts of the five Vermont dispensaries are as follows.

Champlain Valley Dispensary

Address: 2 Green Tree Dr, VT 05403, United States.

Contact: (844) 283-9333

Phytocare Vermont

Address: 120 Depot Street, Unit 103, Bennington, VT 05201, United States.

Contact: (802) 753-7094

Vermont Patients Alliance

Address: 188 River Street, Montpelier, VT 05602, United States.

Contact: (802) 225-6786

Southern Vermont Wellness

Address: 942 Putney Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.

Contact: (844) 789-9333

Grassroots Vermont

Address: 84 Lovers Ln, Brandon, VT 05733, United States.

Contact: (802) 465-8081

For more information on medical dispensaries, click here.

Elevate Holistics Can Help

You need expert guidance to find your way in the world of marijuana because there are so many terms and regulations to keep up with. The good news is we’re here for you. At Elevate Holistics, we have everything you need to know about marijuana – all you have to do is ask.

Do you need to get your Vermont medical marijuanas, find a qualified physician, or locate a dispensary in Vermont? Contact us today, and let’s get started.