Cannabis is legal in Vermont - what does this really mean?
For the consumer
Vermont legalized cannabis in 2018 when Governor Phil Scott (R) signed Act 86, which eliminates penalties for possession of limited quantities of cannabis for adults 21 and older. Under Act 86 you are allowed to possess up to one ounce of flower or five grams of concentrate, as well as the ability to cultivate six plants (up to two mature and four immature). Act 86 also stipulates that cannabis cannot be consumed in any public place or in a motor vehicle.
In 2020 Act 164 went into effect for Vermont to create a regulated adult-use cannabis marketplace. The State of Vermont Cannabis Control Board was set up to establish a regulatory system for commercial cannabis cultivators, wholesalers, product manufacturers, retailers and testing laboratories.
As a consumer you cannot yet legally purchase cannabis for recreational use in Vermont. Two things must happen before you take out your wallet. First, the state has to issue dispensary licenses. Additionally, each city or town must vote by ballot to allow a dispensary to operate. Act 164 specifies that the soonest a licensed dispensary in the newly regulated market may open its doors is May 1, 2022. The retail opt-in provision in Act 164 stipulates that each municipality must vote to allow a dispensary within its borders. So far only about 30 cities and towns have voted on the issue.
What you can do today
Most importantly, stay informed. Become familiar with state laws and local ordinances as these will dictate where you can buy cannabis, the quantity, in what form and how much you will have to pay in taxes. One item worthy of discussion and action is that Vermont is the only state that imposes arbitrary THC caps on cannabis flower and concentrates. This is a big problem because:
Growers have limited control of the amount of THC a plant will yield, and complying with an arbitrary cap will force growers and producers to dilute and degrade products, ultimately at the detriment of the consumer. As a business that plans to operate in the regulated cannabis marketplace, Mountain Girl Cannabis aims to provide customers with natural, unadulterated products
The amount of THC to be consumed is a matter of personal choice. Individuals do not respond to THC dosing in the exact same way. For example, there are people who need higher concentrations of THC to obtain relief from conditions such as pain. Consumers could be unfairly forced to purchase additional quantities of cannabis making it cost prohibitive to obtain the right dose as well as legally infeasible with state restrictions in both quantity of product and THC percentage allowed to purchase in one transaction
Mountain Girl Cannabis encourages you to exercise your democratic right today by signing this petition from the Vermont Growers Association for the state of Vermont to remove THC caps from cannabis flower and concentrates.
If you plan to participate in the regulated Vermont marketplace as a lab, processor, cultivator, wholesaler, product maker, or retailer of cannabis, sign this petition as well.
Peace, love and plant power!
