U.S. Industry opportunities
vermont
vermont marijuana laws
In 2004, the Vermont General Assembly passed S. 76, an act allowing for the medical use of marijuana. S.247- passed in 2014 - eliminates the cap of 1,000 patients who are allowed to access dispensaries. It also allows dispensaries to deliver medical marijuana to patients.
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On January 22, 2018, Governor Phil Scott signed H.B. 511, which legalized the recreational use of marijuana. The law makes it legal for adults 21 years and older to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and have 2 mature marijuana plants or 4 immature plants in each dwelling unit.
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On January 21, 2019, S.B. 54 was introduced to establish a system to tax and regulate the production and sale of marijuana through licensed recreational marijuana businesses. Adults 21 and older are allowed to possess, cultivate and consume marijuana in Vermont, but retail sales are currently prohibited.
SB 54, currently before the legislature, would establish a commercial cannabis system, impose a 10 percent excise tax on sales and shift regulatory responsibilities from the state Department of Public Health to an independent Cannabis Control Board. The legislature is in recess until 2020.
If passed, licenses for retailers and marijuana will likely be issued in 2021.
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Key Dates
As of May 7th, 2019, there were 5,209 patients enrolled with the Vermont Marijuana Registry. Applications for a sixth dispensary will be announced when the number of registered patients reaches 7,000.
Application Fees/Start up costs
Currently there is no application available.
Available License Types
The Department of Public Safety has currently issued 5 medical dispensary registration certificates. Adults 21 and older are allowed to possess, cultivate and consume recreational marijuana in Vermont, but retail sales are currently prohibited.
Qualifying Conditions
The Vermont Marijuana Registry (VMR) is responsible for issuing medical cannabis cards to patients. Qualifying conditions include:
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Cachexia, or wasting syndrome
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Cancer
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Chronic pain
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Crohn’s disease
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Epilepsy, or other seizures
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Glaucoma
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HIV/AIDS
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Multiple sclerosis
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Nausea
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Parkinson’s disease
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A condition or its treatment that results in severe, persistent, and intractable symptoms
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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History
In 2004, the Vermont General Assembly passed S. 76, an act relating to marijuana use for people with severe Illnesses. S.247- passed in 2014 eliminates the cap of 1,000 patients who are currently allowed to access dispensaries and allow dispensaries to deliver marijuana to patients. On January 22, 2018, Governor Phil Scott signed H.B. 511, which legalized the recreational use of marijuana. The law makes it legal for adults 21 years and older to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and have two mature marijuana plants or four immature plants in each dwelling unit.
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On January 21, 2019, S.B. 54 was introduced to establish a system to tax and regulate the production and sale of marijuana through licensed recreational marijuana businesses. Currently legislature is in recess until 2020. Vermont Department of Taxes and the Legislative Joint Fiscal Office developed a model to estimate the size of a legal marijuana market in Vermont. The estimate of total taxable retail sales in 2016 was projected to be $53,518,097 on the lower end to $83,005,176 on the higher end.
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Amount/types of licenses issued/available
Currently there are no available licenses in Vermont. There are 5 active medical dispensaries in the state of Vermont. Applications for a sixth dispensary will be announced when the number of registered patients reaches 7,000.
Adult use/medical/CBD only/ALL/none
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Adult-use Is legal in the state of Vermont. Adults 21 years and older to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and have 2 mature marijuana plants or 4 immature plants in each dwelling unit. Retail sales are currently prohibited. Medical marijuana is legal in the state of Vermont. There are 5 active medical dispensaries in the state of Vermont. A registered patient may obtain medical marijuana only from their designated dispensary. Hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) products derived from hemp may be legally sold in Vermont.
Estimated market size
how to start a marijuana business vermont
If you are just starting your marijuana business, the next best step is to start a Business Plan to help educate your team and be ready to apply for a marijuana business license. If you are ready to apply for a Marijuana Business License in Vermont, please Contact us or call our offices to set an appointment to get started. You can also select another State Opportunity, or fill out our Contact Form to discuss potential strategies such as Investment or Partnership Opportunities.
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