A Guide To The Legal Use Of Cannabis In Vermont

Posted by Toker Grace on Feb 11, 2020 1:48:36 PM

Vermont is often forgotten about when thinking of the ‘small’ states. However, most cannabis consumers know that you can smoke bud in Vermont. The cannabis industry is expected to generate over $200 billion in revenue over the next decade. Vermont is a promising place where prospective facilities manager can distribute medical cannabis. However, its recreational/retail cannabis legality is up for debate. Here are a few important factors that potential cannabis business owners and operators ought to consider when establishing a successful as well as legally sound cannabis dispensary in Vermont.

Disclaimer: Cannabis laws vary from upon state. Although these key points are important when choosing to open a dispensary, This article is not legally-binding professional advice. Business owners, investors, and operators must acquire the appropriate legal counsel in the state of Vermont when considering opening a dispensary or obtaining a medical marijuana card.

The History of Cannabis in Vermont

In regards to cannabis, Vermont has a rich history and quite a story to tell. Vermont is the second-oldest state to pass legislation in favor of medical cannabis. This feat dates back to 2003, with California’s medical marijuana program of 1996 being the oldest implementation. Moreover, in 2018, Vermont upped the ante by implementing the recreational consumption of cannabis. Vermont was the first state to do so via a general ballot.

Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card in Vermont

Similar to other states that have adopted legislation supporting the medicinal consumption of cannabis, Vermont has a list of ailments patients must be afflicted with to be granted a medical marijuana card. Some of these ailments include:

• HIV/AIDS

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• Wasting Syndrome
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Insomnia

Cannabis Possession Limits in Vermont

The limits of cannabis possession in Vermont are pretty similar to other states that have legalized cannabis. 

• No more than 2 ½  ounces within a 14-day window for patients who possess a medical marijuana card
• No more than 2 ounces (56 grams) of dry cannabis flower

Additionally, adults who are at least 21 years of age can lawfully possess the following amount of cannabis:

• No more than 1 ounce (28 grams) of raw cannabis flower

Vermont is one of the few states that have enacted a favorable medical and recreational cannabis without offering recreational cannabis for commercial sale to those who do not possess a medical marijuana card. The amounts associated with cannabis concentrates, and edibles are also unspecified in Vermont’s cannabis legislation.

Cultivating Cannabis at Home

Vermont has also enacted legislation that will allow individuals who are at least 21 years of age to grow cannabis in the privacy of their own homes. They are limited to no more than two mature cannabis plants and no more than four immature cannabis plants at a time and must remain out of plain sight (i.e., front yard garden.)

Cannabis Businesses and Advertising

Similar to other substances recognized by the state of Vermont, there are a handful of restrictions on the types of advertising cannabis businesses are allowed to execute. Cannabis businesses are not allowed to advertise on radio, television, or any other form of medium where ⅓ of the prospective audience is assumed to be under the age of 21 years (i.e., Saturday Morning Cartoons). Additionally, cannabis businesses are not allowed to sponsor entertainment events even if the majority audience is of the legal age of consumption. 

Additional Cannabis Regulatory Information

Getting into the cannabis industry in the state of Vermont is a delicate process and requires a tightrope approach to prevent the revocation of licenses or legal action. Be sure to consult with the proper entities when pursuing an interest in providing retail (or medicinal) cannabis products.