Whether you’re a smoker or not, you might have heard people talking about whether or not marijuana is legal in Vermont. That’s why it’s important to understand the laws governing the sale of marijuana in the state so that you don’t get in trouble.
Recreational Weed
Vermont passed a law in 2004 that legalized marijuana for medical use. This allowed people with certain diseases, such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis, to buy cannabis. In order to participate in the program, patients must submit a Health Care Professional Verification Form to the Vermont Medical Registry. Those with qualifying conditions can then obtain a medical marijuana card from VMR-approved dispensaries.
Since then, the state has been working to implement the legislation and establish the adult retail cannabis market. The state is expected to open its first recreational marijuana shops in October and will have several more by the end of the year.
Vermont law allows adults 21 and older to purchase up to one ounce of cannabis at any time. For the first offense, a fine of $100 applies. A second offense carries a maximum fine of $500, and a subsequent offense carries a maximum of two years in prison.
Adults in Vermont can also grow their own cannabis. Patients can grow nine plants at a time. They can also grow hash oil. If they want to grow more than nine mature plants, they must get approval from a healthcare professional.
Driving Under The Influence of Cannabis
In Vermont, it is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. Even if you are legal, there are penalties for doing so. For a first offense, your license may be suspended for up to 90 days. A fine of up to $750 is also possible. If you are found guilty of driving under the influence of cannabis, you could face up to two years in prison.
While the statutory law in Vermont prohibits it, there is a legal gray area regarding the use of cannabis while operating a vehicle. Law enforcement officials can ask a driver if they had anything to drink or perform a preliminary breath test. But there is no requirement to give a suspect the right to decline a chemical test.
However, there is a requirement to prove the driver was impaired to the slightest degree. This determination is made by looking at all the evidence.
In Vermont, it isn’t uncommon for a driver to get pulled over on suspicion of DUI. In addition to asking if the driver has had anything to drink, officers can inquire about the driver’s cognitive abilities.
Keeping Weed in The Trunk or in a Locked Glove Box
If you are a registered medical cannabis user, you can legally carry your medical marijuana in your vehicle. However, you must adhere to certain rules and restrictions in order to do so.
The legal maximum amount you can carry is 2.5 ounces. You can keep this in the cabin of the vehicle, but you must make sure that it is in a childproof container.
In the state of Vermont, the law is clear: you cannot smoke or use cannabis in a motor vehicle. It is a crime to do so in public ways, even if it is on private property. Similarly, you can’t drive under the influence of marijuana, and it’s illegal to leave the product out for others to consume.
According to the DOT, the open container of the aforementioned is a little more than a bottle of liquor. An open container is defined as any bottle, jar, or jargon that is unsealed or has a broken seal.
Hemp And CBD Products Derived From Hemp May be Legal
If you’re an adult who wants to consume hemp and CBD products derived from hemp, you’ll want to know whether they are legal in Vermont. Although marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, state laws do not prohibit the use of hemp and CBD products derived from hemp for medicinal purposes.
In Vermont, hemp and CBD products derived from hemp are legal as long as they meet specific guidelines. For example, hemp material must contain less than 0.3% THC on a dry-weight basis. The final product must also contain less than 0.3% THC.
Hemp and CBD products derived from hemp can be purchased from a variety of retailers, including health shops and online stores. However, you’ll want to make sure that you buy from a reputable retailer.
Before you purchase any hemp and CBD products derived from hemp, it’s important to look at the labeling and quality testing of the products. This way, you can be assured that the product is clean and potent.
