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Vermont Cannabis Laws

Vermont has established a comprehensive framework for cannabis regulation, allowing adults 21 and over to legally purchase and possess cannabis. The Cannabis Control Board oversees both medical and adult-use cannabis programs, ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. Consumers can purchase up to one ounce of cannabis or equivalent amounts in other forms, and dispensaries must adhere to strict packaging, labeling, and security requirements. Advertising is tightly regulated to prevent targeting minors, and employees must undergo regular training on various safety and operational protocols. Vermont also imposes a 14% excise tax on cannabis sales, with provisions for local jurisdictions to add additional taxes.

Every Dispensary Must Know

About UZIO

Vermont Cannabis Laws at a Glance

  1. Cannabis Control Board: Administers the adult-use and medical cannabis programs in Vermont.
  2. Purchase Limits: Adults 21 and older can purchase up to one ounce of marijuana or 8,400 milligrams of THC.
  3. Advertising Restrictions: Cannabis establishments cannot advertise their products via any medium unless the licensee shows that not more than 15 percent of the audience is reasonably expected to be under 21.
  4. Employee Training: Dispensary employees must attend training seminars once every three years.
  5. Packaging Waste: Retail dispensaries can collect, reuse, and recycle packaging waste for future cannabis and other use under specific guidelines.
  6. Taxation: Vermont imposes a 14% excise tax on the retail sale of cannabis and cannabis products.
Licensing

Legal Reference:

  • Applicants must be 21 years or older and consent to the release of their criminal and administrative history records.
  • Submit an operating plan and undergo a fingerprint-based Vermont criminal history record check, along with checks from other states and the FBI.
  • The licensing fee for retail dispensaries is $10,000 per year.
Advertising

Legal Reference:

  • Ads must not be deceptive, promote overconsumption, claim curative effects, offer prizes or free samples, or appeal to those under 21 years of age.
  • Advertising via any medium requires that no more than 15 percent of the audience is reasonably expected to be under 21.
  • Ads must include health warnings and be pre-approved by the Board.
Required Training

Legal Reference:

  • Employees must complete training on operating procedures, security, health, safety, record-keeping, and more within 60 days of hire and annually thereafter.
  • Customer-facing employees must complete additional training on the health effects of cannabis, preventing sales to minors, and recognizing signs of overconsumption or substance abuse disorders.
Prohibited Products

Legal Reference:

  • Cannabis flower with more than 30% THC, flavored oils for vape devices, products with delta-9 THC combined with nicotine or alcohol, and items appealing to those under 21 are prohibited.
  • Solid and liquid concentrates with more than 60% THC can be sold to other licensees but not directly to the public, except for certain prepackaged liquid concentrates.
Insurance

Legal Reference:

  • Dispensaries must maintain commercially reasonable levels of insurance.
  • If unable to obtain insurance, they must place a specific amount in escrow: $250,000 for larger operations, $50,000 for medium-sized ones, and $10,000 for the smallest operations.
Waste Disposal

Legal Reference:

  • All cannabis waste must comply with federal, state, and local regulations and be rendered unusable before disposal.
  • Organic material with less than 0.3% THC can be composted or disposed of legally without rendering it unusable.
Packaging and Labeling

Legal Reference:

  • Cannabis packaging must be child-resistant, tamper-evident, and not appeal to those under 21.
  • Labels must include the cannabis strain, THC/CBD content, “produced on” date, appropriate warnings, and be free from false or misleading information.
Security

Legal Reference:

  • Alarm systems must be installed by professionals.
  • Video surveillance must cover all key areas, with footage retained for at least 30 days.
  • Employees must wear ID badges, and access to cannabis storage areas must be strictly controlled.
Age Verification

Legal Reference:

  • IDs must be checked at the entrance and before completing any cannabis purchase to ensure customers are 21 or older.
  • Dispensaries cannot retain personal information from customers without permission.
Collection and Reuse of Consumer Packaging Waste

Legal Reference:

  • Only retail dispensaries can collect, reuse, and recycle cannabis packaging waste.
  • Receptacles must be inside dispensaries, labeled, and supervised to ensure proper handling.
Standard Operating Procedures
  • Purchase Limits

    Legal Reference:

    • Consumers 21 and older can purchase up to one ounce of cannabis or equivalent in concentrates, edibles, and flower per transaction.
    • Adults may also possess four immature marijuana plants and two mature plants for personal cultivation

Overview

While medical cannabis has been legal in Vermont since 2004, the state became the 11th to legalize adult-use cannabis in October 2022. Now, adults 21 and over can legally purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

With adult use legalization, comes new laws and regulations beyond those for medical marijuana. Failure to comply with state laws will lead to disciplinary fines and even suspension or revocation of licensure. It’s crucial to thoroughly understand all the regulations laid out by Vermont law.

This post breaks down the important Vermont marijuana rules that dispensary operators must know.

Key points of Vermont Cannabis Laws:

  • The Cannabis Control Board is responsible for administering the adult-use and medical cannabis programs in the State of Vermont.
  • Adults 21 and older can purchase up to one ounce of marijuana or 8,400 milligrams of THC.
  • Cannabis establishments cannot advertise their products via any medium unless the licensee shows that not more than 15 percent of the audience is reasonably expected to be under 21.
  • Dispensary employees must attend training seminars once every three years.
  • Retail dispensaries in the state are allowed to collect, reuse, and recycle packaging waste for future cannabis and other use under specific guidelines.
  • Vermont imposes a 14% excise tax on the retail sale of cannabis and cannabis products.

You can find the full Vermont medical and recreational cannabis regulations here.

Licensing

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board Licensing Rules
  • Vermont Statutes: Title 7, Chapter 33

Licensing Explained:

The Cannabis Control Board in Vermont is responsible for issuing licenses for cannabis establishments. Here are the key points for obtaining a dispensary license in Vermont:

  1. Eligibility Requirements:
    • Applicants, principals, and persons who own or control an applicant must be 21 years of age or older.
    • Consent to the release of criminal and administrative history records is required.
    • An operating plan must be submitted with the application.
  2. Background Checks:
    • Applicants must submit to fingerprint-based Vermont criminal history record checks, out-of-state criminal history record checks, and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history record checks.
    • Regulatory records relating to the operation of a business in Vermont or any other jurisdiction must also be submitted.
  3. Application Process:
    • The Cannabis Control Board will adopt rules regarding the required components of an application for each type of license.
    • An applicant who is denied a license may appeal the Board’s determination.
  4. Licensing Fees:
    • The annual licensing fee for retail dispensaries is $10,000.
  5. Authorized Activities:
  • Licensed retailers can purchase cannabis from licensed cultivators, wholesalers, or integrated licensees.
  • They can transport, possess, package, and sell cannabis and cannabis products to the public for consumption off the premises.
For more detailed information on the licensing process and requirements, visit the Vermont Cannabis Control Board website.

Advertising

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board Advertising Rules
  • Vermont Statutes: Title 7, Chapter 33, Section 864

Advertising Explained:

Advertising cannabis products in Vermont is strictly regulated to ensure public safety and prevent misleading information. Here are the key points:

  1. Prohibited Content:
    • Advertisements cannot contain any statement or illustration that is deceptive, false, or misleading.
    • Ads must not promote overconsumption or represent the use of cannabis as having curative effects.
    • Offering prizes, awards, or inducements for purchasing cannabis or cannabis products is prohibited, except for price discounts.
    • Free samples of cannabis or cannabis products are not allowed.
  2. Target Audience:
    • Cannabis establishments cannot advertise their products via any medium unless they can demonstrate that not more than 15 percent of the audience is reasonably expected to be under 21 years of age.
  3. Content Restrictions:
    • Advertisements must not depict a person under 21 years of age consuming cannabis or cannabis products.
    • Ads must not be designed to appeal particularly to persons under 21 years of age.
  4. Health Warnings:
    • All advertisements must contain health warnings adopted by the Board in consultation with the Department of Health.
  5. Approval Process:
    • All advertisements must be submitted to the Board for approval before dissemination.
    • The Board may require specific disclosures or changes to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
  6. Additional Prohibitions:
  • Cannabis establishments are prohibited from using objects like toys, inflatables, movie characters, cartoon characters, or any child-friendly depictions in their advertisements.
  • Websites for cannabis establishments must have age-gating to prevent access by individuals under 21 years of age.

Required Training

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Title 7, Chapter 33, Section 865(a)

Required Training Explained:

Vermont cannabis laws mandate specific training requirements for employees of cannabis establishments to ensure they operate safely and in compliance with state regulations. Here are the key points:

  1. Licensee Training:
    • Agents of those who control a cannabis establishment must complete an enforcement seminar every three years. This includes employees, individuals who work at the establishment, and those in significant operational roles such as members of the board of directors.
  2. General Employee Training:
    • Within 60 days of hire and annually thereafter, all employees must complete training on the following topics:
      • Operating, security, health, safety, and sanitary procedures.
      • Compliance, enforcement, inspection, incident reporting, and record-keeping.
      • Acceptable forms of identification for staff and visitors.
      • Inventory control and tracking systems.
      • Cash handling.
      • Human trafficking and domestic violence awareness.
      • Diversity, equity, and inclusion.
      • Racism and bias.
      • Sexual harassment and discrimination.
  3. Retail Employee Training:
    • Customer-facing employees, such as budtenders, must complete additional training before selling cannabis or cannabis products. This training includes:
      • Health effects of cannabis and cannabis products, including cannabinoids, qualifying conditions, and interactions between cannabis and common medical conditions.
      • Preventing the sale of cannabis to minors.
      • Identifying signs of overconsumption, mental health issues, or substance abuse disorders.

These comprehensive training programs ensure that all employees are knowledgeable about the legal, health, and safety aspects of cannabis sales and operations.

Prohibited Products

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Title 7, Chapter 33, Section 868

Prohibited Products Explained:

In Vermont, certain cannabis products are strictly prohibited from being cultivated, produced, or sold by licensed establishments to ensure safety and compliance with state laws. The key prohibited items include:

  1. High THC Content Flower:
    • Cannabis flower that contains more than 30% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is not allowed.
  2. Flavored Oil Products:
    • Flavored oil cannabis products that are prepackaged for use with battery-powered devices are prohibited. Additionally, any cannabis flower that contains flavors not naturally occurring in the plant is also banned.
  3. Combination Products:
    • Products that combine delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol with nicotine or alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
  4. Child-Appealing Products:
    • Any cannabis products or packaging designed to be appealing to persons under 21 years of age are strictly forbidden. This includes packaging that uses cartoon characters, toys, or any other imagery likely to attract children.
  5. High Concentrate Products:
  • Solid and liquid concentrate cannabis products with more than 60% THC can be produced by licensees and sold to other licensees but cannot be sold to the public by retailers. However, liquid concentrates prepackaged for use with battery-powered devices may be sold to the public.

Insurance

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Title 7, Chapter 33, Section 2.2.2

Insurance Explained:

Vermont requires all cannabis establishments to maintain commercially reasonable levels of insurance to protect against various liabilities. The specifics of these requirements are as follows:

  1. Commercially Reasonable Insurance Levels:
    • All cannabis establishments must obtain and maintain insurance coverage that is considered commercially reasonable for their operations. This is to ensure that they are adequately protected against potential risks and liabilities that may arise from their business activities.
  2. Inability to Obtain Insurance:
    • If an establishment is unable to obtain the required insurance coverage, they must place a specific sum of money in escrow to cover potential liabilities. The required escrow amounts are as follows:
      • For retailers, wholesalers, integrated licensees, testing laboratories, tier 1 manufacturers, and tier 4, 5, and 6 cultivators: a minimum of $250,000.
      • For tier 2 and 3 manufacturers and tier 2 and 3 cultivators: a minimum of $50,000.
      • For tier 1 cultivators: a minimum of $10,000.
  3. Replenishment of Escrow:
    • The escrow account must be replenished within ten business days of any expenditure to ensure continuous coverage for liabilities.
  4. Compliance Demonstration:
    • Cannabis establishments must be prepared to demonstrate their compliance with these insurance requirements at any time. Records must be maintained in a manner that allows for ready access from the physical site of operations upon request by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board or its designee.

By adhering to these advertising and marketing guidelines, cannabis businesses can effectively promote their products while remaining compliant with California’s regulations. Next, we will explore the rules for delivery services limits in the state.

Waste Disposal

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Title 7, Chapter 33, Section 2.2.8

Waste Disposal Explained:

Cannabis establishments in Vermont must adhere to stringent waste disposal regulations to ensure both environmental safety and regulatory compliance. Here are the key requirements:

  1. Compliance with Federal, State, and Local Regulations:
    • All cannabis establishments must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and ordinances related to waste disposal. This includes regulations pertinent to chemical, dangerous, and hazardous waste, such as those generated during the manufacturing processes and the use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals.
  2. Rendering Cannabis Waste Unusable:
    • Cannabis and cannabis products must be rendered unusable and unrecognizable before disposal. This can be achieved through various methods specified by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board, which will provide a publicly available policy outlining acceptable methods.
  3. Organic Waste:
    • Organic material that has no THC content or a THC content below 0.3% does not need to be rendered unusable and can be composted on-site or disposed of in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
  4. Inventory Tracking:
    • Disposal of cannabis and cannabis products must be tracked using the Inventory Tracking System. This ensures that all disposed items are accurately documented and accounted for.
  5. Record-Keeping and Reporting:
  • Cannabis establishments must maintain records of all waste disposal activities, including the method of disposal and the quantity of waste disposed of. These records must be readily accessible for inspection by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board or its designees.

Packaging and Labeling

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Title 7, Chapter 33, Sections 2.2.9, 2.2.10, and 2.2.11

Packaging and Labeling Explained:

Cannabis packaging and labeling in Vermont must meet specific requirements to ensure consumer safety, transparency, and regulatory compliance. Here are the key points:

  1. General Packaging Requirements:
    • Identification: Packaging must clearly identify the contents.
    • Free from Misleading Information: Packaging should not contain any false or misleading statements.
    • Child Safety: Packaging should not use objects or images likely to be appealing to minors. This includes toys, inflatables, movie characters, cartoon characters, and child-friendly depictions of food or consumables.
    • Material: Packaging intended for consumer purchase at a retail location must be reusable and not made of plastic.
  2. Warning Labels:
    • All marketing, advertising, branding, packaging, and promotion must include a specific health warning. The exact wording is provided by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board.
    • Warnings must be prominently displayed and easy to read.
  3. Required Statements:
    • Packaging must include warnings such as:
      • “Keep out of reach of children and pets”
      • “This product may be addictive”
      • “This product may have intoxicating effects. Do not drive while under the influence of marijuana.”
      • The effects of edible cannabis may be delayed by two hours or more.
      • Possession or use of cannabis may carry significant legal penalties in some jurisdictions and under federal law.
  4. Symbols and Fonts:
    • All product packaging must include specific warning symbols.
    • Labels must use a minimum 10-point Times New Roman, Helvetica, or Arial bolded font.
  5. Specific Product Requirements:
    • The potency of the cannabis represented by the amount of THC and CBD in milligrams per serving.
    • A “produced on” date reflecting the date the cultivator finished producing the cannabis.
    • A QR code linking to the product’s certificate of analysis with a statement informing customers they can scan the code to see additional product information.
  6. Consumer Education:
  • Retailers must display a safety information flyer at the point of purchase and offer a copy to customers with each purchase. If the customer declines, the information must be available on the Vermont Cannabis Control Board’s website.

Security

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Title 7, Chapter 33, Sections 2.8.2, 2.5.1, 7 V.S.A. § 881(a)(5)

Security Explained:

Cannabis dispensaries in Vermont must adhere to stringent security requirements to ensure the safety of their operations, employees, and customers. Below are the key points of the security regulations:

  1. Alarm Systems:
    • Alarm systems must be installed by an alarm installation company with expertise in industry-standard commercial-grade alarm systems.
    • The systems should cover all areas where cannabis and cannabis products are stored or handled, ensuring comprehensive security.
  2. Video Surveillance:
    • Video surveillance must cover point-of-sale areas, entrances, exits, and any area where cannabis or cannabis products are stored or handled.
    • The video footage must be retained for a minimum of 30 days.
    • Surveillance equipment must be continuously recording to ensure no gaps in coverage.
  3. Access Controls:
    • Strict access controls are required for areas where cannabis and cannabis products are stored or handled to prevent unauthorized entry.
    • Employees must wear identification badges that clearly identify them as employees while on duty.
  4. Security Plan and Information:
    • Dispensaries must maintain a security plan that includes detailed information about the alarm systems, monitoring protocols, alarm activity logs, maps of camera locations, surveillance equipment maintenance logs, and authorized user lists.
    • This information must be made available to the Vermont Cannabis Control Board or its designee upon request.
  5. Customer Management:
  • The number of customers in the retail area at any given time must be manageable and easily monitored by the employees present.
  • This helps ensure that all transactions and interactions are conducted safely and securely.

Age Verification

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Title 7, Chapter 33, Section 2.8.5

Age Verification Explained:

Vermont cannabis dispensaries must strictly verify the age of every customer to ensure compliance with state regulations. The following are the key requirements for age verification:

  1. Initial ID Check:
    • Upon entering the retail premises, an individual with a valid identification card must inspect the visitor’s proof of identification immediately.
    • This age check must occur in the immediate vicinity of the entrance to the retail premises.
  2. Acceptable Forms of Identification:
    • The acceptable form of identification includes any government-issued photo identification that is current and valid.
    • Examples include a driver’s license, state identification card, or passport.
  3. Verification Process:
    • No individual shall be admitted unless the retailer verifies that the acceptable form of identification matches the visitor and that the visitor is 21 years of age or older.
    • Before completing a transaction for the purchase of cannabis or a cannabis product, an individual with a valid identification card must inspect the visitor’s proof of identification again to determine the visitor’s age.
  4. Prohibition on Recording Personal Information:
    • Retailers may not acquire or record visitor personal information other than information typically required for a retail transaction, such as verifying the visitor’s age.
    • Retailers are prohibited from recording or retaining any additional personal information from a visitor without the visitor’s permission.
  5. Refusal of Sale:
  • Retailers must refuse to sell to any visitor who is unable to produce valid proof of their age using an acceptable form of identification.

Collection and Reuse of Consumer Packaging Waste

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Title 7, Chapter 33, Section 2.8.5

Collection and Reuse of Consumer Packaging Waste Explained:

Vermont’s cannabis dispensaries are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, particularly in the collection, reuse, and recycling of consumer packaging waste. The following guidelines outline the requirements:

  1. Authority to Collect:
    • Only retail cannabis establishments are permitted to collect consumer packaging waste for reuse and recycling.
    • These establishments can collect packaging waste from consumers or from other licensees.
  2. Receptacle Placement and Supervision:
    • Receptacles for collecting consumer packaging waste must be located inside the cannabis establishment.
    • These receptacles should be subject to the same security measures as the rest of the establishment and must be reasonably supervised to ensure that only licensees remove the waste.
  3. Receptacle Labeling:
    • Receptacles used for collecting consumer packaging waste must be clearly labeled as “consumer packaging waste.”
    • Establishments may include additional information on the receptacle labels if desired.
  4. Disposal and Rendering Unusable:
    • Licensees must ensure that any remaining cannabis or cannabis product in the packaging waste is removed and rendered unusable before disposal.
    • The waste disposal process must comply with the waste disposal requirements specified by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board.
  5. Reuse and Transfer:
    • Once the remaining cannabis product has been removed and rendered unusable, licensees can:
      • Reuse consumer packaging waste if it has been sanitized and disinfected.
      • Transfer the sanitized packaging waste to another licensee for reuse or to a person for recycling.
  6. Sanitization and Disinfection:
  • Any consumer packaging waste intended for reuse must be sanitized and disinfected to ensure it meets health and safety standards.

Standard Operating Procedures

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Title 7, Chapter 33, Section 2.8.6

Standard Operating Procedures Explained:

Vermont cannabis retailers and dispensaries must maintain detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that cover various aspects of their operations. These SOPs must be readily accessible at the physical site of operations and available upon request by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board or its designees. Here are the key areas that need to be included in the SOPs:

  1. Security Measures:
    • Detailed procedures on how the establishment secures its premises, including the use of alarm systems, surveillance cameras, and access controls.
    • Specific guidelines for handling security breaches and emergencies.
  2. Employee Security Policies:
    • Policies for personal safety and crime prevention techniques.
    • Protocols for employee identification and access to secure areas.
  3. Operating Hours and After-Hours Contact:
    • A clear description of the establishment’s hours of operation.
    • Contact information for management in case of after-hours emergencies or issues.
  4. Inventory Storage Plan:
    • Procedures for the safe and secure storage of cannabis and cannabis products.
    • Guidelines for inventory control and prevention of theft or loss.
  5. Accurate Recordkeeping:
    • Protocols to ensure compliance with the inventory tracking system.
    • Detailed steps for recording and reporting inventory, sales, and other relevant data.
  6. Quality Control Plans:
    • Procedures to maintain the quality and safety of cannabis products.
    • Guidelines for product testing, handling, and packaging.
  7. Emergency Procedures:
    • Action plans for emergencies such as fires, medical emergencies, or natural disasters.
    • Roles and responsibilities of employees during an emergency.
  8. Confidential Information Maintenance:
    • Policies to protect the privacy and confidentiality of customer and business information.
    • Measures to ensure secure storage and access to sensitive data.
  9. Employee Conduct and Immediate Dismissal Policies:
    • Policies for immediate dismissal of employees who divert cannabis products or engage in unsafe practices.
    • Guidelines for maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.

 

These SOPs help ensure that cannabis establishments operate safely, securely, and in compliance with Vermont state laws. By adhering to these procedures, dispensaries can minimize risks and provide a safe environment for both employees and customers.

Taxes

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Title 7, Chapter 33, Section 881

Cannabis Taxation Explained:

Vermont imposes specific taxes on the sale of cannabis and cannabis products. Understanding these taxes is crucial for dispensary operators to remain compliant and ensure accurate pricing. Here are the key points regarding cannabis taxes in Vermont:

  1. Excise Tax:
    • Vermont imposes a 14% excise tax on the retail sale of cannabis and cannabis products. This tax applies to all cannabis sales, including flowers, edibles, concentrates, and any other cannabis-infused products.
    • This tax is in addition to the general state sales tax and any applicable local taxes.
  2. Sales Tax:
    • In addition to the excise tax, cannabis sales are subject to the Vermont state sales tax of 6%. This means that consumers will see both taxes reflected in the final purchase price at the point of sale.
  3. Local Option Tax:
    • Municipalities in Vermont have the option to impose an additional local tax on cannabis sales. This local option tax can be up to 1% and is added on top of the state excise and sales taxes.
  4. Total Tax Calculation:
    • The total tax rate on cannabis sales in Vermont can be up to 21% when combining the state excise tax, state sales tax, and potential local option tax.
  5. Collection and Remittance:
    • Dispensaries are responsible for collecting these taxes at the point of sale. They must remit the collected taxes to the Vermont Department of Taxes in accordance with the state’s tax remittance schedule.
    • Accurate record-keeping and reporting are essential for compliance, as failure to do so can result in penalties and fines.
  6. Medical Cannabis Exemption:
    • Medical cannabis purchases are subject to a 4% tax on retail sales. This lower tax rate reflects the state’s effort to make medical cannabis more affordable for patients with qualifying medical conditions.

For detailed and updated information on cannabis taxes in Vermont, refer to the Vermont Cannabis Control Board’s official guidelines and the Vermont Department of Taxes.

Patients and Caregivers

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Title 7, Chapter 33, Section 881-884

Medical Cannabis Program Explained:

Vermont has established a medical cannabis program to ensure that patients with qualifying conditions have access to cannabis for therapeutic purposes. Here’s what patients and caregivers need to know:

  1. Qualifying Conditions:
    • To be eligible for the medical cannabis program in Vermont, patients must have a qualifying medical condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Crohn’s disease, or chronic pain that has not responded to conventional treatments.
    • A full list of qualifying conditions can be found on the Vermont Cannabis Control Board’s website.
  2. Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card:
    • Patients must receive a recommendation from a Vermont-licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who is involved in their ongoing treatment.
    • The recommendation must include a certification that the patient has a qualifying condition and that the potential benefits of cannabis use outweigh the health risks.
  3. Registration Process:
    • Patients and caregivers must complete an application form provided by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board.
    • The application must include the healthcare provider’s recommendation, proof of Vermont residency, and a registration fee.
    • Once approved, the patient will receive a medical marijuana card, which allows them to purchase cannabis from licensed medical dispensaries.
  4. Caregivers:
    • Patients who are unable to visit a dispensary or administer their cannabis treatment can designate a caregiver.
    • Caregivers must be at least 21 years old and must complete a background check.
    • A caregiver is allowed to assist up to two patients and must register with the Vermont Cannabis Control Board.
  5. Possession Limits:
    • Registered medical cannabis patients can possess up to two ounces of usable cannabis.
    • They are also allowed to cultivate up to four mature plants and four immature plants in a private, secure location.
  6. Purchase Limits:
    • Medical cannabis patients can purchase up to two ounces of cannabis from a licensed medical dispensary.
    • There is a monthly purchase limit, which helps regulate and monitor the patient’s usage.
  7. Consumption:
    • Cannabis consumption is restricted to private properties. It is illegal to consume cannabis in public places or while operating a vehicle.
  8. Renewal:
  • Medical marijuana cards must be renewed annually. Patients need to submit a renewal application along with a new recommendation from their healthcare provider and pay the registration fee.
For more detailed information and to apply, visit the Vermont Cannabis Control Board’s official site.

Purchase and Possession Limits

Legal Reference:

  • Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Title 7, Chapter 33, Section 907(b)

Purchase and Possession Limits Explained:

In Vermont, both medical and adult-use cannabis consumers must adhere to specific purchase and possession limits to remain compliant with state regulations. Here’s a breakdown of these limits:

  1. Adult-Use Consumers:
    • Adults aged 21 and over can purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis flower in a single transaction. This limit also applies to equivalent cannabis products such as concentrates and edibles.
    • Equivalent amounts are defined as:
      • 14 grams of cannabis concentrate (8400 mg total THC)
      • 8 single-gram THC vape cartridges (8000 mg total THC)
      • 168 packages of 50 mg THC edibles (8400 mg total THC)
    • Adults may also cultivate up to four immature marijuana plants and two mature plants for personal use, provided they are kept in a private, secure location.
  2. Medical Cannabis Patients:
    • Registered medical cannabis patients can purchase and possess up to two ounces of cannabis flower or the equivalent in cannabis products per month.
    • Patients are also permitted to cultivate up to four mature plants and four immature plants in a secure, private location.
    • Patients must be registered with the Vermont Medical Marijuana Program and have a valid medical marijuana card.

Cultivation Limits:

  • Adult-Use Cultivation: Adults can cultivate up to two mature plants and four immature plants.
  • Medical Patient Cultivation: Medical patients can cultivate up to four mature plants and four immature plants.

These limits ensure that both recreational users and medical patients have access to the cannabis they need while adhering to Vermont’s legal framework. It’s crucial for consumers to understand and follow these regulations to avoid penalties or legal issues.

  • Medical marijuana cards must be renewed annually. Patients need to submit a renewal application along with a new recommendation from their healthcare provider and pay the registration fee.
For more detailed information and to apply, visit the Vermont Cannabis Control Board’s official site.

Vermont Cannabis Laws FAQs

Is marijuana legal in Vermont?

Yes, both medical and recreational marijuana are legal in Vermont. Medical cannabis has been legal since 2004, and adult-use cannabis was legalized in 2022. Adults 21 and over can purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

How is cannabis taxed in Vermont?

Vermont imposes a 14% excise tax on the retail sale of cannabis and cannabis products. This tax applies to all cannabis sales, including food or beverages containing cannabis. For more details on cannabis taxation, you can refer to the Vermont Department of Taxes website.

How much cannabis can I buy in Vermont?

Consumers in Vermont can purchase up to 1 ounce of cannabis flower or the equivalent in cannabis products per transaction. This includes up to 14 grams of cannabis concentrate or 8,400 milligrams of THC in edibles. More information can be found on the Vermont Cannabis Control Board website.

What are the packaging and labeling requirements for cannabis in Vermont?

Cannabis products must be packaged in child-resistant, tamper-evident, and resealable containers. Labels must include product information, health warnings, a QR code linking to the product’s certificate of analysis, and cannot be designed to appeal to minors. For detailed packaging and labeling requirements, visit the Vermont Cannabis Control Board regulations.

Can dispensaries advertise in Vermont?

Yes, but there are strict regulations. Advertisements must not be deceptive, promote overconsumption, or appeal to individuals under 21. Dispensaries must ensure that no more than 15% of the audience for their advertisements is under 21 years old. All advertisements must also contain health warnings and be approved by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board. For more information, see the Vermont Cannabis Control Board advertising guidelines.

What are the training requirements for dispensary employees?

Dispensary employees must complete training within 60 days of hire and annually thereafter. Training topics include operating procedures, security, health and safety, inventory control, and more. Customer-facing employees must also complete additional training on the health effects of cannabis, preventing sales to minors, and identifying overconsumption. Detailed training requirements can be found in the Vermont Cannabis Control Board regulations.

Are there any prohibited cannabis products in Vermont?

Yes, Vermont prohibits the cultivation, production, and sale of cannabis flower with more than 30% THC, flavored oil cannabis products for use with battery-powered devices, and any products designed to appeal to persons under 21. Solid and liquid concentrates with over 60% THC can be produced but not sold to the public. For a complete list of prohibited products, refer to the Vermont Cannabis Control Board regulations.

What security measures must Vermont dispensaries implement?

Dispensaries must install commercial-grade alarm systems, maintain video surveillance covering all areas where cannabis is stored or handled, implement strict access controls, retain video footage for at least 30 days, and ensure employees wear identification badges. More details can be found in the Vermont Cannabis Control Board security requirements.

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