State Regulations
The Legality of Cannabis in Vermont
Vermont has legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use. Vermont legalized medical cannabis in 2004 after Governor James Douglas passed “Senate Bill 76” without signing it. In June 2007, the Gov. expanded the medical bill, now Senate Bill 7, without signing it once again.
In Vermont, to be a medical cannabis patient one needs to:
- Have written approval from a registered doctor
- Be a resident of Vermont
- Have a qualifying medical condition
Conditions that qualify for medical cannabis in Vermont include:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- MS (multiple sclerosis)
- HIV/AIDS
- Terminal illness, or any disease/condition whose treatment causes any of symptoms listed below:
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Seizures
The state allows patients to possess up to 1 oz. or 28g of cannabis. Additionally, One can grow up to six plants (four immature and two mature).
Underage possession of cannabis is considered a civil violation and will be penalized. If a minor is found with as little as 1 ounce of hashish they will get referred to the court Diversion Program in addition to enrolling in the Youth Substance Abuse Safety Program. Not successfully completing the program can result in the suspension of one’s driver’s license as well as fines.
The Vermont Legislature made legal the sale of recreational cannabis commencing this year (2022). However, towns and cities individually have to vote on whether they want to allow cannabis sales within their jurisdictions. That said, almost 70 communities in Vermont have opted to allow marijuana retail sales in their jurisdictions just months prior to the licensing and opening of the first retail businesses in the state.
