Marijuana Laws in Vermont

Background

Vermont’s path toward marijuana legalization began in 2004 when it approved a bill for medical marijuana use, overturning a law from 1915 that prohibited the drug. In 2013, recreational use would begin to be considered, but it would take four more years for it to be legalized. Recreational marijuana use officially became legal on July 1 of this year, making Vermont one of the most recent states to recognize the value of marijuana.

Medical Marijuana

Senate Bill 76 authorized medical marijuana in the state. It can be taken to treat a number of ailments, including Crohn’s disease, AIDS, Parkinson’s, chronic pain, glaucoma and more. Medical marijuana users are required to apply for a registration card to cover their use. Unlike some states that have reciprocal agreements allowing medical marijuana patients to use their cards in other states, such as is seen with Nevada, Vermont does not maintain any reciprocity with other states.

Recreational Marijuana

Recreational marijuana use was authorized by the Vermont House in May 2017 through Act 86. It allowed for personal possession, use and cultivation, but not commercial sales. The Vermont Senate had approved its own bill a month prior that covered all aspects of the House bill, but also allowed for authorized sales. It wouldn’t be until January of 2018 that both the House and Senate would approve the same bill, which was subsequently signed by Governor Scott the same month. As of July 1, 2018, recreational use marijuana is legal by adults 21 years old or older.

Possession and Cultivation Limits

For medical marijuana users, possession of up to two ounces of usable marijuana is permitted. Additionally, it is legal to grow up to nine plants, of which a maximum of two can be mature.

For recreational users, the minimum age is 21. Possession of up to an ounce of marijuana or five grams of hashish is allowed. Up to four immature and two mature plants per residence can be cultivated at any given time. Since the law stipulates that only up to an ounce can be possessed at any time, additional cultivation must be kept in a secure location inside the residence.

Consumption

Private consumption is legal in any residence, except in those where landlords or homeowners associations have expressly forbidden it. It is illegal to consume anywhere in public or where tobacco smoking is prohibited. Since Lake Champlain is federal property, consuming marijuana on the lake or on other federal property can result in stiff fines in accordance with federal laws.

Dispensary Regulations

Currently, only medical marijuana dispensaries are operating and there are no opportunities for additional dispensaries. Recreational marijuana dispensaries will more than likely be approved by the summer of 2019.

Smoking Marijuana in Public

Adults over the age of 21 can buy and possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana at a time. Only licensed retailers can sell marijuana products.

 

Cannabis DUI

Vermont adheres to what is referred to as the “drugged driving” law, which prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle if there is a detectable level of any illicit drug or drug metabolite in the system. Field sobriety tests may be administered and refusal to participate, for the first offense, will result in a six-month license suspension.

Marijuana Taxes

Currently, Vermont does not have the legal framework in place to tax marijuana since only medical marijuana dispensaries are in operation. This section will be updated as new laws are introduced.

Vermont Marijuana News

Explore the latest cannabis news from Vermont.

Puff and Bluff at Americas Cardroom

Marijuana and poker? Potheads are invited to enjoy a relaxing ‘Wake ‘n’ Bake’ paired with a strong cup of coffee and a game of winning poker online at Americas Cardroom.