Vermont

1. Overview of Cannabis and Hemp Laws

Cannabis:

• Recreational Use: Legalized in 2018 under Vermont Act 86, allowing adults to possess and cultivate small amounts for personal use.
• Medical Use: Legal since 2004 under Senate Bill 76, providing qualifying patients access to medical cannabis, regulated by the Vermont Department of Public Safety.

Hemp Intoxicants and Synthetic THC: Vermont regulates hemp intoxicants under the same framework as cannabis products, applying similar standards to both.

2. Historical Context

• 2004: Vermont legalizes medical cannabis, joining early states with limited medical access.
• 2018: Vermont becomes the first state to legalize recreational cannabis through legislation (Act 86), initially permitting possession and cultivation without retail sales.
• 2020: Vermont begins permitting retail cannabis sales, integrating hemp intoxicants under its cannabis regulatory framework.

3. Recreational Cannabis Laws

• Possession Limits: Adults 21 and older may possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis and grow up to two mature plants and four immature plants for personal use.
• Cultivation: Allowed for personal use with a household limit of two mature plants and four immature plants.
• Public Use: Public consumption is prohibited; use is restricted to private residences.
• Sale and Retail: Retail sales were authorized starting in 2020, with licensed dispensaries regulated by the Cannabis Control Board to ensure compliance.

4. Medical Cannabis Laws

• Patient Eligibility: Qualifying conditions include cancer, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis. Patients may apply for a medical card through the Vermont Marijuana Registry.
• Product Access: Licensed dispensaries offer a variety of cannabis products, including oils, capsules, and tinctures.
• Program Details: Patients may access cannabis through dispensaries or cultivate within legal limits if they choose not to use dispensaries.

5. Hemp-Derived Intoxicants

• Regulatory Status: Vermont integrates hemp-derived intoxicants into its cannabis regulatory framework, treating them as cannabis products.
• Testing and Labeling: Rigorous testing is required for potency and contaminants, with labeling indicating cannabinoid content and usage warnings.
• Age and Retail Restrictions: Sales are restricted to individuals 21 and older, and products are available exclusively at licensed dispensaries.

6. Criminal Penalties for Cannabis Offenses

• Possession: Possessing more than 1 ounce without a medical card may result in fines or, for larger amounts, incarceration.
• Sale and Distribution: Unauthorized sale or distribution, particularly to minors, can lead to felony charges and severe penalties.
• Trafficking and Cultivation: Unauthorized large-scale cultivation or trafficking incurs serious penalties, including substantial fines and prison terms.

7. Social Equity Programs

• Eligibility Criteria: Vermont’s social equity program supports individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis laws.
• Licensing Benefits: Social equity applicants may qualify for reduced fees, expedited licensing, and technical assistance.
• Additional Support: Vermont provides business development support and training to promote equitable participation in the cannabis industry.

8. Business Types and Operations

• Licensing Types: Vermont licenses businesses for cultivation, processing, and retail, with a separate category for medical-only dispensaries.
• Regulatory Requirements: All licensed businesses must comply with state standards on security, product tracking, record-keeping, and health and safety regulations.