Vermont Marijuana Laws

Updated September 2019

Vermont now has one of the most progressive marijuana stances in the United States. Vermont legalized medical marijuana over a decade ago, and in 2018 became the first state to legalize recreational marijuana through legislation. Learn more about Vermont marijuana laws below.

Recreational Marijuana in Vermont

Is marijuana legal in Vermont? Yes. Vermont became the ninth U.S. state to legalize recreational marijuana after Gov. Phil Scott signed into law H.511 on January 23, 2018. It is the first state to legalize adult use marijuana through legislature rather than a voter ballot initiative.

Vermont’s marijuana law legalizes the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana and the cultivation of up to two mature marijuana plants and four immature plants for adults at least 21 years of age.

The marijuana law does not, however, set up a system to tax and regulation the production and sale of marijuana, although that may come later.

While Vermont is not the first state to legalize recreational marijuana, it’s adult use policy has been long progressive. Prior to the passing of the recreational marijuana bill, Vermont had decriminalized small possession of marijuana since 2013.

Medical Marijuana in Vermont

Vermont first legalized medical marijuana on May 26, 2004, and since then two amendments have been made to further clarify the marijuana rights of patients. Under the law, registered patients may possess up to 2 ounces of usable marijuana, or grow 2 mature plants and 7 immature plants. As the law stands now, patients must decide between growing their own marijuana and buying cannabis from a dispensary.

Patients must have a minimum of a 3-month relationship with a medical provider before that provider can recommend medical marijuana.

In an effort to deal with the nation’s opioid epidemic, in July 2016 Gov. Peter Shumlin signed Senate Bill 14 to expand the state’s medical marijuana program to those with glaucoma, chronic pain and patients under hospice care. In June 2017, Vermont lawmakers approved Senate Bill 19 to expand the list of qualifying medical cannabis conditions to include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Crohn’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.

As of now, medical marijuana is approved for the following conditions in Vermont:

  • Cancer
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • HIV / AIDS
  • Glaucoma
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Patients in Hospice Care
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Diseases or conditions that produce the following symptoms:
    • Cachexia
    • Seizures
    • Severe or Chronic Pain
    • Severe Nausea

CBD from Hemp Oil in Vermont

Hemp-derived CBD products are legal under Federal Law in the United States; however, individual state laws are dynamic and fluid. Individual states may enact their own laws governing hemp-derived CBD.

Cultivation and Distribution of Cannabis in Vermont

Under Vermont’s adult use cannabis law, adults ages 21 and older can legally grow up to two mature cannabis plants and four immature plants. Qualified medical marijuana patients are legally allowed to grow up to two mature plants and seven immature plants.

Vermont has also legalized the growing of industrial hemp. Senate Bill 157, passed by lawmakers in 2013, allows qualified growers to become licensed to grow hemp as an agricultural crop for research purposes.

Legal Status of Other U.S. States

Stay up to date on the latest state legislation, referendums, and public opinion polls. Our Marijuana Legalization Map allows you to browse the current status of medical and recreational marijuana laws in other U.S. states and territories.

Sources

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