Is Marijuana Legal in Vermont?

Everything You Need to Know About Legal Cannabis in VT

Ever since Colorado became the first state to legalize cannabis, residents in other states throughout the country have wondered when theirs will be next to follow suit. With recreational cannabis retail locations opening up in the Green Mountain State, we thought now was a great time to review Vermont marijuana laws. 

Give me the scoop: Vermont legalized the possession and cultivation of cannabis for adults 21 and older back in 2018 when Governor Phil Scott (R) signed Act 86 into law. 

• While there are no penalties for possession of cannabis up to 1 ounce or less, cannabis possession in excess of this amount may still be subject to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the amount. 

• Vermont’s recreational marijuana law was amended to decriminalize the cultivation of up to three mature and six immature plants at one’s own residence. 

• Starting October 1, 2022, recreational cannabis retail locations opened their doors to the public. Mountain Girl Cannabis was the first to be licensed for recreational cannabis retail, offering premium-grade craft cannabis from local growers to customers throughout the Green Mountain State and beyond. 

Get more familiar with Vermont marijuana laws by reading the sections below for additional information.

How Long Has Cannabis Been Legal in Vermont? 

Vermont’s history with cannabis legalization began on May 19, 2004, when Governor James Douglas announced that he would allow Senate Bill 76 to pass without signature. The law effectively legalized medical cannabis. 

In 2013, Vermont made headlines again when Governor Peter Shumlin signed HB200. By doing so, the state decriminalized cannabis possession of 1 ounce or less to a civil infraction. Again in 2014, Governor Shumlin expressed his support for a tax-and-regulate system for cannabis sales. In Rand Corporation a study commissioned by the state in May 2014, it was revealed that Vermont could gain between $20 million and $75 million annually in tax revenue from such a program.

Despite these findings, it wouldn’t be until May 2017 that the Vermont House would approve a bill to allow personal possession, use, and cultivation of cannabis. However, the state did not legalize and regulate commercial sales until October 7, 2020 when Governor Phil Scott announced that he would allow S.54 to become law without his signature. This made Vermont the 11th state to regulate adult-use cannabis sales in the nation.

What Penalties are There for Possessing Cannabis in Vermont? 

While recreational cannabis is legal in Vermont, there are still limitations to the amount of cannabis one is allowed to legally possess at any given time. Possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana is permitted without penalty. Anything above this amount may be considered either a misdemeanor or felony offense depending on the amount. 

According to Vermont State Law, any person who knowingly and unlawfully possesses more than one ounce of cannabis may receive one of the following civil penalties:

• No more than a $100 fine for a first offense; 

• No more than a $200 fine for a second offense; and 

• No more than a $500 fine for a third or subsequent offense. 

Possession of 1 – 2 ounces is considered a misdemeanor. First offenses are punishable by up to six months in jail and $500 in fines. Any subsequent offense carries a maximum of two years in prison and a maximum fine of $2,000. 

Cannabis possession in excess of two ounces is considered a felony. The following table outlines what the legal penalties are for those possessing more than two ounces of marijuana:

Offense	Penalty	Incarceration	Max. Fine
2 oz – 1 lb	Felony	3 years prison	$10,000
1 – 10 lbs	Felony	5 years prison	$100,000
> 10 lbs	Felony	15 years prison	$500,000

Is It Legal to Grow Marijuana in Vermont? 

Yes, it is legal to grow marijuana at your home in Vermont. While Vermont’s recreational cannabis law made it legal to grow up to four plants as long as no more than two plants were mature at any one time, this law was later amended.

Now, residents can cultivate up to three mature and six immature cannabis plants. It’s important to note, however, that while this is decriminalized under the amended law, this is still considered a civil penalty. As such, growers may be subject to no more than a fine of $100, $200, and $500 on a first, second, and subsequent offense. Home cultivators are permitted to possess the quantity of their yield without penalty. 

Growing more than four plants is considered a felony. The following table outlines the penalties you may face when growing more than four plants at your residence:

Offense	Penalty	Incarceration	Max. Fine
4 – 10 Plants	Felony	3 years prison	$10,000
11 – 25 Plants	Felony	15 years prison	$100,000
> 25 Plants	Felony	15 years prison	$500,000

Where Can I Buy Cannabis Products? 

Recreational cannabis stores began opening their doors on October 1, 2022. Mountain Girl Cannabis is proud to be the first to be licensed for recreational cannabis sales in the state. Now, you can purchase premium-grade craft cannabis from local Vermont cultivators with help from our wellness guides. Explore a broad variety of products, including:

• Flower

• Concentrates 

• Edibles 

• Pre-rolls

• Topicals 

Elevate your senses by visiting our recreational dispensary in Historic Downtown Rutland today!