Vermont Marijuana Laws

Cannabis laws in the Green Mountain state stretch further than just “Is weed legal in Vermont?” Learning about Vermont marijuana laws provides a better understanding of marijuana enjoyment in the state. 

More so, Vermont marijuana laws guide everything related to weed, from cultivation and purchase to limits and sanctions.

Elevate Holistics’ goal is to make your marijuana experience as pleasant as possible and to keep you out of trouble.

In this article, we’ll find answers to common marijuana questions, is recreational weed legal in Vermont? Does Vermont enforce marijuana laws? Where can I find a Vermont dispensary? Can I grow marijuana in Vermont? Let’s get started. 

Vermont Marijuana Legality: Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Vermont?

Yes, medical marijuana has been legal since 2004 when Governor James Douglas announced he would allow Senate Bill 76 to pass.

The bill titled “An Act Relating to the Medical Use of Marijuana” legalized the use of medical marijuana for patients who have a qualifying condition and obtain a physician certification.

Even though the state legalized medical marijuana, patients didn’t have access to it because there were no licensed dispensaries.

But in 2011, the state passed legislation that allowed dispensaries to sell marijuana and marijuana products to patients.

The Cannabis Control Board (CCB) is in charge of medical marijuana in Vermont, and its data show 4,302 active participants in the Vermont Medical Cannabis Program as of June 13, 2020. 

Vermont Medical Marijuana Card

Vermont marijuana laws state that you must register and get a medical marijuana card before visiting any Vermont dispensary to buy medication.

Fortunately, you will get your medical marijuana card within 30 days of submitting your application, so you won’t have to wait long. Sounds easy, right?

That’s because Elevate Holistics makes it easy; we know everything about applying for MMJ cards and guaranteeing quality service.

Click here for our comprehensive guide on how to apply for a Vermont medical marijuana card, including requirements and a step-by-step process. 

Benefits of Vermont Medical Marijuana Card

As a resident or visitor in Vermont, you might wonder why you need to get or keep a medical card when recreational marijuana is legal.

Well, medical marijuana patients in Vermont with an MMJ card enjoy the following benefits:

• Better possession limit: Medical marijuana patients can possess up to two ounces of marijuana, two mature plants, and seven immature plants. Recreational users can possess only one ounce of marijuana, two mature plants, and four immature plants.
• Lower age limit: There is no minimum age limit for the purchase and use of medical marijuana; patients younger than 18 can register for medical marijuana via a caregiver. Recreational users must be aged at least 21.
• Out-of-state access: Medical marijuana patients in Vermont can use their MMJ card to buy medical marijuana in states that allow reciprocity. 
• More potent weed: Vermont marijuana laws specify a maximum limit for the amount of THC recreational marijuana can contain, but no such limit exists for medical marijuana.
• Marijuana at a lower cost: There is a 20% tax on recreational marijuana. But, medical marijuana does not have the same tax, so cardholders can buy more marijuana at a lesser cost.  

Vermont Marijuana Legality: Is Recreational Weed legal in Vermont?

Yes, adults 21 and older can buy and consume marijuana in Vermont.

The Green Mountain State became the first state to legalize recreational marijuana via the legislature when Governor Phil Scott signed H.115 into law.

The Governor expressed mixed feelings about legalizing recreational marijuana but said it was not up to him to decide what adults do.

Even though H.115 legalized recreational marijuana, it didn’t provide for the licensed sale of marijuana, as there were no marijuana dispensaries in Vermont.

In 2020, Governor Phil Scott allowed S.54 to pass without his signature; the new bill allowed for the establishment of Vermont marijuana dispensaries and created the CCB.

The first licensed marijuana retailers opened their doors to customers in the first week of October 2022. 

Vermont Marijuana Laws

Now that we’ve answered: “is weed legal in Vermont?” and “Is recreational marijuana weed legal in Vermont?”, let’s talk about the significant laws you need to know. 

Vermont Marijuana Possession Limit

The possession limit is an essential aspect of Vermont marijuana legality. Possessing more than what the Vermont marijuana laws allow is punishable, and ignorance is no excuse.

Medical marijuana patients can possess two ounces of marijuana. On the other hand, adults 21 and older can possess one ounce of cannabis, five grams of hashish, two mature plants, and four immature plants.

The Vermont marijuana possession limit does not include cannabis from home cultivation.   

Vermont Marijuana DUI Laws

It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana in Vermont.

• A first-time drugged driving offense is punishable by up to two years in jail, a $750 maximum fine, or both, and a driver’s license suspension for 90 days.
• A second offense results in up to two years in jail or a fine of up $1,500 or both, driver’s license suspension for eighteen months, and 200 hours of community service. 
• A third DUI offense is a felony punishable by up to $2,500 in fines, five years in jail, or both, and at least 400 hours of community service in addition to a lifetime driver’s license suspension. 

Do not drive under the influence of marijuana. You can tell a friend to drive or get a cab if you feel even the slightest bit impaired.

Is CBD legal in Vermont?

Yes, Hemp and cannabidiol products derived from hemp are legal if they contain no more than 0.3% THC.

You can find CBD and other hemp products in dispensaries and stores in the state.

Click here for detailed information on hemp in Vermont. 

Who Can Recommend Marijuana in Vermont?

You can’t get a physician certification from just any doctor. According to Vermont pot laws, only a healthcare professional licensed to practice in Vermont can recommend medical marijuana.

The list of qualified healthcare professionals includes physicians, osteopathic physicians, naturopathic physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.

Physicians who hold equivalent licenses in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or New York also qualify to register in the Vermont medical marijuana program. 

What is the Age Limit for Marijuana in Vermont?

There is no age limit for medical marijuana; patients younger than 18 can register for the medical marijuana program via a caregiver.

However, anyone who is not a patient must be aged 21 and older to buy and use recreational marijuana. 

If you are under 21 and the authorities catch you using marijuana without an MMJ card, they will refer you to Court Diversion Program, and you must enroll in the Youth Substance Abuse Safety Program.

You must complete the program or risk fines and a driver’s license suspension. 

Can You Grow Weed in Vermont?

Yes, Vermont marijuana laws allow patients and recreational users to grow medical marijuana, but the limits differ.

Registered patients can grow two mature plants and seven immature plants, while recreational users can grow two mature plants and four immature plants.

One significant advantage of growing marijuana at home is that your harvest does not count towards your possession limit.

If you grow marijuana at home, Vermont marijuana laws specify that it must be on your property or with the consent of the legal owner of the property. Also, your cultivation site must not be visible to the public and be secure from unauthorized access.

Ensure that you don’t grow more plants than the legal limits, or you’ll face the consequences of the law.

Vermont marijuana laws specify the following:

• Growing 3-10 mature marijuana plants is a felony with a penalty of up to three years and a $10,000 fine.
• The cultivation of 11-25 plants is a felony with a penalty of up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000.
• Growing more than 25 plants attracts a penalty of up to fifteen years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.

Can Patients Have Caregivers in Vermont?

Yes, patients may have one designated caregiver, and the caregiver must be aged at least 21. However, minor patients aged under 18 may have two caregivers.

Caregivers must be state residents, submit an application, and pass a criminal history check before they become eligible to care for medical marijuana patients.  

Where Can I Consume Marijuana in Vermont?

Vermont marijuana legality does not mean you can consume marijuana anywhere you like.

Vermont marijuana laws state that “no person shall consume cannabis in a public space unless specifically authorized by law.”

Public consumption of cannabis attracts a $100 fine for a first offense, $200 for a second offense, and $500 for third and subsequent offenses.

That said, the best place to consume cannabis is in the privacy of your home, but the state also allows property owners to ban marijuana consumption on their property.

So, if you don’t own your property, make sure the landlord allows cannabis consumption before you light up.

Also, remember that cannabis is still illegal federally, so if you live in federally subsidized housing, you may risk losing your accommodation by buying and using marijuana. 

Does Vermont Have Reciprocity?

No, only state residents can buy medical marijuana from dispensaries.

Fortunately, recreational marijuana is legal! So, if you’re visiting and you’re aged at least 21, you can purchase marijuana from licensed retailers.  

Vermont Marijuana Dispensaries

Only licensed marijuana dispensaries and retailers can sell marijuana in Vermont.

Currently, there are five Vermont marijuana dispensaries for patients. However, the CCB will issue a sixth Vermont dispensary license when the number of registered patients reaches 7,000.

Click here to see the addresses of the medical dispensaries.

Dispensaries will sell marijuana to only registered patients; always take your MMJ card along with you when you go to purchase marijuana from a dispensary. 

On the other hand, recreational marijuana retailers will sell to only people aged 21 and above. Thus, you must produce a government-issued photo ID before you can buy marijuana.

Click here for a list and map of licensed retailers.

You can order cannabis online in Vermont. But, you must visit the dispensary or retail store to pick up your order because Vermont marijuana laws do not allow deliveries. 

You must have a license before you can legally sell marijuana. Without a permit, it is illegal to sell marijuana, and the penalties include the following:

• The unlawful sale of cannabis or hashish is punishable by up to two years in jail, up to $10,000 in fines, or both.
• Unlawful sale of more than one ounce of cannabis or five grams of hashish is punishable by up to five years in jail or $100,000 in fines or both.
• Unlawful sale of one pound or more of marijuana or 2.8 pounds or more of hashish is punishable by up to fifteen years in jail or $500,000 in fines or both.

Specific Regulations for Vermont Marijuana Dispensary

Vermont marijuana dispensaries are subject to strict regulations, and every Vermont dispensary must abide by the following rules:

• They must have tight security to prevent unauthorized access.
• Dispensaries must verify that anyone who wants to buy marijuana is at least 21.
• They must not sell marijuana to anyone unable to produce identification that proves they are up to 21.
• Dispensaries must display a safety flyer created by the CCB at the point of sale
• They must label their products properly and include vital information like the ingredients and THC content.

Click here for a detailed list of retailer regulations. 

Let Elevate Holistics be Your Guide

Is weed legal in Vermont? Yes, it is. However, there’s more to legality, especially for marijuana patients.

Medical marijuana has gone mainstream as most states have medical marijuana programs. Usually, you need to register and obtain an MMJ card before you can buy and use medical marijuana. This is where we come in.

Elevate Holistics knows the MMJ application process can be a hassle sometimes; fortunately for you, we can make access easy and affordable.

While we aren’t live in Vermont, we want to give you all the resources possible to get you your VT MMJ card.

Whether you have questions about MMJ in Vermont, want to know where you can get a medical card, or if you just want to understand the process better, we’ve got you covered.