Vermont, also known as the Green Mountain State, is a small state located in the northeastern region of the United States. The nickname comes from the state’s stunningly beautiful Green Mountains, which offer opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Vermont is also famous for its dairy farms and maple syrup production, which is considered some of the best in the world. The state is home to many charming small towns and villages, including the capital city of Montpelier, which is the smallest capital city in the United States.
Vermont is also known for its progressive politics, environmental activism, and commitment to sustainable living. So, it might not surprise you to find out that the answer to the question “Is weed legal in Vermont?” is a resounding Yes!
Is Weed Legal in Vermont? Straight to the point.
- Recreational THC: Yes
- Medical THC: Yes
- CBD: Yes
- Delta-8: No
Medical Weed Laws
Vermont legalized medical marijuana in 2004, becoming the ninth state in the United States to do so. Patients under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian as their registered caregiver. The parent or legal guardian must apply for the medical card on behalf of the minor patient. Vermont medical marijuana patients are allowed to purchase up to two ounces of usable marijuana, which is the same as the limit for recreational users.
Patients must be Vermont residents and have a qualifying medical condition and a recommendation from a licensed healthcare provider to apply for a medical marijuana card. Patients must also pay a fee to the Vermont Department of Public Safety to obtain a medical marijuana card.
Vermont law allows medical marijuana to be used for the following qualifying conditions:
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Glaucoma
- PTSD
- Chronic pain
- Seizures
- Wasting syndrome
- Terminal illness with a prognosis of less than six months to live
In addition to the above conditions, a healthcare provider may recommend medical marijuana for other medical conditions that they believe would benefit from its use.
It’s worth noting that Vermont’s medical marijuana laws are relatively permissive compared to some other states. The state allows patients to grow their own marijuana plants, and there are no restrictions on the potency or type of medical marijuana products that patients can use. However, patients are not allowed to smoke medical marijuana in public places or on federal land.
Recreational Weed Laws
Trends show that many states with medical marijuana programs usually move towards adult-use recreational legalization. However, recreational weed’s regulatory environment tends to be far more complex. Although many states maintain their medical programs to support patients, the same rules do not apply to the general public once recreational marijuana is legalized. Possession limits may vary, as well as the consequences for using marijuana outside of the state-mandated guidelines. See below for more information about the current legal status and recreational legalization efforts.
Is Weed Decriminalized in Vermont?
Vermont has decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Possession of up to one ounce (28 grams) of marijuana is considered a civil violation rather than a criminal offense. The penalty for possessing up to one ounce of marijuana in Vermont is a fine of up to $200 for a first offense, and up to $500 for subsequent offenses.
However, it’s important to note that possession of more than one ounce of marijuana is still a criminal offense in Vermont and can result in arrest and prosecution. Additionally, possession of marijuana is still illegal under federal law, which can complicate matters for individuals who possess or use marijuana in Vermont.
Cannabinoid Variants
Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, and other alternative cannabinoids have been growing in popularity in recent years, but their legal status varies from state to state. In Vermont, the following rules apply.
Is CBD legal in Vermont?
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp production in the United States. This legislation opened up vast possibilities for CBD-rich hemp to enter the mainstream market, allowing consumers to purchase CBD in retail establishments and online. CBD is often found in supplements, topicals, edibles, portable vape pens, home goods, and beauty and body care products.
The Farm Bill legally protects CBD production, but it is not without stipulation. All commercially available CBD products must be derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. However, some states have elected to regulate CBD independently and may have further restrictions on its use and distribution. CBD is legal in Vermont.
Is Delta-8 legal in Vermont?
Delta-8 is currently illegal in Vermont. Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that can be derived from hemp, which is legal under federal law if the Delta-9 THC concentration is below 0.3%. However, Vermont still does not allow the possession, purchase, or consumption of it.
Is Delta-10 legal in Vermont?
Vermont has taken a stricter approach towards the manufacturing, selling, and possessing of hemp-derived Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC compared to other states. Delta-10 is illegal in Vermont.
Are THC-O and other THC variants legal in Vermont?
In recent years, alternative hemp-derived cannabinoids have dominated the market as a more accessible way to get high. However, they have existed in a legal gray area until February 2023.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has declared Delta-8-THC-O and Delta-9-THC-O illegal controlled substances. These compounds are not naturally occurring in either hemp or marijuana and are considered synthetic cannabinoids.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp and its byproducts so long as they contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9-THC by volume. The market for cannabinoids has grown in the states since then as several alternative cannabinoids emerged, including synthetic THC isomers.
For the time being, this latest update does not affect alternative cannabinoids like THC-JD, THC-P, THCP-O, THC-H, and THC-B because they do exist naturally in trace amounts. Advocates feel that only the end of the federal prohibition on marijuana will successfully regulate synthetic or naturally occurring cannabinoids.
Are HHC and HHC-O legal in Vermont?
The legal status of HHC and HHC-O in Vermont is currently unclear as the state has not issued any specific regulations or guidance on these compounds.
HHC and HHC-O are analogs of THC and are derived from hemp. It is generally assumed that so long as HHC and HHC-O products follow the guidelines set forth by the Farm Bill that they are safe for use in Vermont.
Cultivation Laws
In Vermont, adults are allowed to cultivate up to six marijuana plants in private for personal use without incurring criminal or civil penalties as of July 1, 2018. This includes two mature plants and up to four immature plants. Those who cultivate marijuana for personal use may possess the total quantity of their harvest at home.
However, cultivation of 3-10 plants is still considered a felony and can result in a maximum sentence of 3 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000. As of January 1, 2021, cultivation of 3 plants (and up to six immature plants) is now considered a civil penalty.
Cultivation of 11-25 plants is also considered a felony and is punishable by a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000, while cultivation of more than 25 plants is a felony that can result in a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $500,000.
Where to Buy Weed in Vermont
There are plenty of ways to get your buzz on in Vermont. Here is how to find weed in the Green Mountain State.
Dispensaries
As of 2023, there are five licensed medical and adult-use dispensaries in Vermont. These dispensaries are regulated by the Vermont Department of Public Safety and are subject to strict rules and regulations. Dispensaries in Vermont may sell a variety of marijuana products, including flower, edibles, concentrates, and tinctures, as well as accessories like pipes, vaporizers, and rolling papers.
Delivery
Delivery of marijuana products is legal in Vermont for both medical and adult-use consumers. However, delivery services are subject to strict regulations and must be licensed by the state. In addition, delivery drivers must have a valid driver’s license, be over 21 years old, and pass a background check.
Deliveries must also be made in unmarked vehicles and be tracked using GPS technology. It’s important to note that delivery may not be available in all areas of Vermont, as individual cities and towns may have their own regulations regarding marijuana delivery. It’s best to check with your local dispensary or delivery service to see if they operate in your area and what their specific requirements are.
Direct to Consumer
Direct-to-consumer sales of marijuana products are not currently allowed in Vermont. All marijuana products must be purchased from licensed dispensaries, whether for medical or adult-use purposes.
Black Market
Despite legalization efforts, the marijuana black market remains active. The illegal purchase of weed from a black market dealer comes with serious risks. Not only is it difficult to determine the potency and purity of the product, but the legal implications can be disastrous. In some cases, a mere slap on the wrist, but in others, buying weed illegally results in jail time or a prison sentence. For those that live in a state with a medical or recreational marijuana program, it’s best to obtain cannabis through legal channels.
General FAQ
Where can you smoke weed in Vermont?
In Vermont, adults 21 years of age and older are allowed to possess and consume marijuana in private, but smoking in public places or on public property is still illegal.
Consuming marijuana on private property where the owner allows it is legal, but it’s still important to be respectful of others and follow any rules set by the property owner.
It’s important to note that while Vermont has legalized the possession and consumption of marijuana, it is still illegal under federal law, and consuming marijuana on federal lands, such as national parks, is not allowed.
Additionally, smoking or consuming marijuana while operating a vehicle or operating heavy machinery is also illegal and can result in fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges.
Can you smoke weed in public in Vermont?
Smoking weed in public in Vermont is not legal. It is illegal to consume marijuana in any public place, on public property, or in a vehicle.
The Vermont law that legalized the possession and consumption of marijuana by adults 21 years of age and older only allows consumption in private spaces where the owner has given permission.
If someone is caught smoking or consuming marijuana in public, they may face fines, community service, or other penalties. It’s important to always consume marijuana responsibly and in compliance with state laws.
When was weed legalized in Vermont?
Medical weed was legalized in Vermont in 2004 and recreational weed was first legalized in Vermont in 2018.
Punishment for Illegal Acts FAQ
What are the penalties for selling, gifting, transporting, or importing weed?
In Vermont, selling, gifting, transporting, or importing weed is illegal and subject to penalties. The penalties for selling marijuana vary depending on the amount sold.
The sale or delivery of less than 1/2 ounce is a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum sentence of 2 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000.
The sale or delivery of 1/2 ounce to 1 pound is a felony, punishable by a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000.
The sale or delivery of 1 pound to 50 pounds is a felony, punishable by a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $500,000.
The sale or delivery of more than 50 pounds is considered trafficking and is punishable by a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1,000,000.
What is the penalty for selling to a minor?
In Vermont, selling or delivering marijuana to a minor is considered a felony offense. The penalty for selling to a minor is a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $25,000.
What is possession with the intent to sell?
Possession with the intent to sell is a criminal offense where an individual is found in possession of illegal drugs or controlled substances with the intention to distribute or sell them to others. This offense is usually considered more serious than simple drug possession because it implies an intent to profit from the sale of the drugs and potentially distribute them to others, contributing to the drug trade and potentially putting others at risk.
The specific penalties for possession with intent to sell can vary depending on the type and amount of drugs involved, as well as other factors such as the individual’s criminal history. Generally, it is a felony offense that can result in significant fines and prison time.
When is possession a crime?
Possession is a crime if you possess more than the allotted legal limit or if you are suspected of intent to distribute.
