Vermont

Is Weed Legal in Vermont?

Yes! Both medical and recreational marijuana are legal in the state of Vermont. Vermont first legalized medical marijuana back in 2004 with the passing of Senate Bill 76. In 2018, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed Bill House Bill 511, officially legalizing the recreational use of cannabis. With the bill’s signing, Vermont became the 9th state in the US to allow recreational use and the first state to legalize via legislation rather than via popular vote.

While recreational cannabis use is legalized, sales have not begun in the state.

Buying Marijuana in Vermont

Even though both recreational and medicinal marijuana are legalized in Vermont, only medical patients can purchase cannabis at one of five dispensaries in the state. We're hopeful that the recently legalized recreational sales will begin soon. 

Buying Marijuana at a Retail Location

Medical marijuana patients and caregivers are able to purchase cannabis from 1 of 5 dispensaries that have been approved by the Vermont Marijuana Registry (VMR). Patients must have a valid MMJ card from the VMR, and can only purchase from their designated dispensary. Furthermore, patients can only change their dispensary designation every 30 days.

Using a Marijuana Delivery Service

Vermont’s medicinal marijuana dispensaries are able to provide patients with delivery service, as long as they are delivering only to their designated patients. There are strict guidelines and rules that delivery drivers and dispensaries must adhere to, with all deliveries being well documented.  It is unclear whether delivery will be a part of any future plans for recreational use.

Store Hours

While there are no restricted hours for dispensaries to be open, most are open from  9-10 AM and close between 4-5 PM. Note that patients are required to schedule an appointment in advance, with most dispensaries having availability within 24-48 hours. Be sure to check wheresweed.com for hours and dispensary listings.

Purchasing Restrictions

Medicinal patients with a valid MMJ card are able to purchase up to a total of 2 ounces of usable marijuana at a time, and cannot purchase more within 30 days. This includes edible products and concentrates as well.

We will keep you updated on purchasing restrictions when the market is opened!

Available Products

With no restrictions on products offered in medicinal dispensaries, patients have access to the full spectrum of cannabis products. Whether you’re looking for quality bud, great concentrates, or some homemade edibles, the medicinal dispensaries will have it all.

Taxes on Marijuana in Vermont

Taxes on Recreational Marijuana in Vermont

There will be a14% excise tax on retail sales and a 6% sales tax, for a combined 20%.

Taxes on Medical Marijuana in Vermont

Luckily for patients, there are currently no state sales taxes on marijuana in Vermont. This helps make cannabis accessible to all those in need of this medicine.

Possession

Medicinal marijuana patients in Vermont are able to possess up to 2 ounces of combined bud, concentrates, and edibles at once. Furthermore, patients may cultivate up to 9 plants at one time, with no more than 2 allowed to be mature. If a patient chooses to purchase bud from a dispensary, they are not able to cultivate as well.

While recreational sales have not opened, possession of marijuana for recreational purposes is legal. Adults over 21 without an MMJ card may have up to one ounce of marijuana or 5 grams of hashish. Recreational users may also have up to 2 mature plants or 4 immature plants for cultivation.

Using Marijuana in Vermont

In Vermont, consuming marijuana is prohibited in many places. The law states that marijuana use can only be done in individual dwellings. A general rule is if you cannot smoke cigarettes, you cannot smoke marijuana. Below are the specific rules of where you can and cannot smoke.

Areas in Vermont that DO NOT allow the use of marijuana:

• Public places (streets, sidewalks, parks)
• Hotel rooms
• Restaurants
• Stores
• Workplaces
• Federal lands

Areas in Vermont that DO allow the use of marijuana:

• Homes owned by users or given permission by landlords
• Airbnb’s with the consent of the host

Smoking on Federal Lands

Considering marijuana is still illegal on a federal level in the United States, it is illegal to possess or consume marijuana on federal lands. It should also be noted that it is illegal to consume marijuana in any public space in Vermont, so it’s best to keep it at home.

Medical Marijuana in Vermont

As of now, those with medical marijuana cards are the only people in the state of Vermont capable of purchasing marijuana in a dispensary. Patients must have a valid MMJ card to purchase and must choose a designated dispensary. Once approved, medical marijuana patients may buy up to 2 ounces of usable marijuana product every 30 days. Patients are also able to change their designated dispensary every 30 days.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Vermont

Applying for a medical marijuana card in Vermont is not too difficult. Potential patients must simply go throw the below steps to be approved for a card:

1. Patients with qualifying conditions and doctor recommendations must fill out a registration form, attach a photo, and pay $50 to the Vermont Marijuana Registry.
2. A patient must have their physician fill out a form to be sent to the VMR as well. The doctor and patient must have a bona fide relationship, which means the patient must have been seeing the doctor for over 3 months.
3. Those applying due to PTSD must also send in a Mental Health Care Provider Form.
4. The Vermont Marijuana Registry is required to approve or reject applications within 30 days. If approved, the VMR will send a medical marijuana card to the patient’s home address.
5. Cards must be renewed annually, with a $50 fee each year along with updated paperwork.

Out of State Medical Cards Vermont

At the moment, Vermont does not offer reciprocity with any other state for medical marijuana purchases.

How to Transport Marijuana in Vermont

Transporting Marijuana in Vermont

Consumers carrying marijuana in their car should keep it in the trunk or in a locked glove box. If there is no trunk in the vehicle, behind the back seat is acceptable, as long as it is not within reach of the driver. It is advised to keep marijuana in a sealed container while driving as well.

Driving While Under the Influence of Marijuana

In Vermont, it is highly illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. Drivers found to be high by a Drug Recognition Evaluator (often a police officer) can face a criminal penalty of up to $750 and two years in prison for the first offense. It should be noted that passengers may not light up in a car, considering the driver could inhale secondhand smoke.

Driving Across State Lines with Marijuana

While marijuana is illegal on a federal level, driving across state lines is illegal. If you’re planning on crossing the border to Canada, be sure to leave your cannabis at home - crossing the border with marijuana is also a federal crime.

Growing Marijuana in Vermont

Growing marijuana in Vermont is perfectly legal. Medical marijuana patients are able to grow up to 9 plants at one time. There are restrictions on the maturity of the plants, however, with only two allowed to be mature at one time. Furthermore,  medical marijuana patients choosing to purchase cannabis from a dispensary are not able to grow their own.

Although there has been no system in place for adult-use consumers to purchase seeds, recreational users may also have up to 2 mature plants or 4 immature plants for cultivation.

Resources

• https://tax.vermont.gov/sites/tax/files/documents/FS-1072.pdf
• https://norml.org/laws/medical-laws/vermont-medical-marijuana-law/
• https://mjbizdaily.com/vermont-house-gives-initial-ok-to-recreational-cannabis-putting-state-on-track-to-160m-market/
• https://norml.org/news/2004/05/20/vermont-approves-amended-medical-marijuana-measure
• https://www.marijuanamoment.net/a-guide-to-vermonts-new-marijuana-legalization-law/
• https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/vermont/articles/2020-02-26/vermont-house-takes-up-marijuana-tax-and-regulate-bill
• https://medicalmarijuana.vermont.gov/applications-and-forms
• https://dui.drivinglaws.org/resources/vermont-s-open-container-laws-penalties-and-consequences.html