Vermont
CANNABIS DISPENSARY REGULATIONS FOR VERMONT
The Vermont Cannabis Control Board is responsible for issuing licenses and creating regulations for dispensaries in Vermont. Individuals seeking a dispensary license must submit an application in a format specified by the Board. Applicants are required to pay fees according to the publicly available fee schedule.
The fees include a $10,000 license fee, a $1,000 application fee, and several other smaller fees associated with obtaining a license. There are six license types: cultivators, manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, testing laboratories, and integrated licenses. Cultivator and manufacturer licenses are further categorized into tiers.
As Vermont prepares for the opening of its first retail stores, nearly 70 towns and cities have opted to allow cannabis sales within their borders. Adults 21 years or older with a valid ID will be able to purchase up to one ounce of marijuana or 8,400 milligrams of THC in other products. The Cannabis Control Board emphasizes compliance with state regulations and supports community engagement to ensure a responsible and thriving cannabis market in Vermont.
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CANNABIS LEGALIZATION HISTORY IN VERMONT
Vermont has a progressive history with cannabis legalization. In 2004, the state became the first in the U.S. to legalize cannabis for medical purposes through the passage of Senate Bill 76.
In 2018, Vermont made history again by becoming the first state to legalize the possession and cultivation of cannabis for recreational use through a legislative act. The law, known as Act 86, allowed for adults 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of cannabis and cultivate up to two mature plants and four immature plants for personal use. However, the law did not create a commercial cannabis market or allow for the sale of cannabis products.
In 2020, Vermont expanded its cannabis laws by passing a bill to create a regulatory framework for the commercial cultivation, production, and sale of cannabis products. The law, known as Act 164, allows for the establishment of licensed cannabis businesses and creates a system of taxes and regulations for the industry.
Vermont’s cannabis legalization efforts have been praised for their focus on social justice and equity. The state has implemented programs to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal cannabis industry, and has also allowed for the expungement of past cannabis convictions.
Overall, Vermont has been a leader in cannabis legalization, with a progressive approach that prioritizes social justice and equity. While the state’s laws have faced some challenges and limitations, they represent a significant step forward in the broader movement towards cannabis legalization in the U.S.