Vermont Recreational Cannabis Laws
Purchasing & consumption rules for adults 21+.
Informational only — not legal advice. Cannabis laws change frequently; verify current rules with the official sources linked below before relying on this page.
Last verified: 2026-08-28
Vermont Cannabis Laws — Quick Facts
Status
Recreational legal · since 2018 (Possession/Grow); 2020 (Retail Sales Legislation - Act 164)
Min. Age
21
At Home
2 oz, excluding securely stored home-grown harvest
Home Grow
Yes
Source: official state guidance · Facts verified 2026-08-28 · Effective 2026-06-18
Residents & out-of-state visitors
Adult-use cannabis: adults 21 and older
State residents
- Who can buy
- Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
- Purchase limit
- 2 oz cannabis or 10 g hashish per transaction.
- Public possession limit
- 2 oz cannabis or 10 g hashish.
Out-of-state visitors
- Who can buy
- Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
- Purchase limit
- 2 oz cannabis or 10 g hashish per transaction.
- Public possession limit
- 2 oz cannabis or 10 g hashish.
- Do not assume a cartridge count or edible conversion from these weights; confirm current product equivalencies with the Vermont Cannabis Control Board.
Sources: Official state guidance · Reviewed 2026-09-09
Purchase and possession limits are different. Limits apply within this state; do not carry cannabis across state lines. Medical programs may have separate rules.
Find dispensary listings in Vermont
122 directory listings across 62 cities.
Browse all Vermont dispensaries →1. Status & Authority
- Legal Since: 2018 (Possession/Grow); 2020 (Retail Sales Legislation - Act 164)
- Governing Agency: Vermont Cannabis Control Board (CCB)
- Statute/Citation: 7 V.S.A. Chapter 33
- Medical Exists: Yes
- Retail Sales Operational: Yes
2. Who Can Purchase
- Minimum Age: 21
- ID Requirements: Valid government-issued photo ID
- State residents: Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
- Resident vs. Out-of-State/Visitor: Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
3. Purchase & Possession Limits
- Resident purchase: 2 oz cannabis or 10 g hashish per transaction.
- Visitor purchase: 2 oz cannabis or 10 g hashish per transaction.
- Resident public possession: 2 oz cannabis or 10 g hashish.
- Visitor public possession: 2 oz cannabis or 10 g hashish.
- Note: Do not assume a cartridge count or edible conversion from these weights; confirm current product equivalencies with the Vermont Cannabis Control Board.
4. Where & How to Buy
- Dispensaries: State-licensed retail stores.
- Delivery & Online: Vermont law strictly prohibits delivery of adult-use (recreational) cannabis. Only medical patients can receive deliveries from endorsed retailers.
- Consumption Lounges: Not permitted.
- Local Opt-Outs: Towns must "opt-in" to allow retail dispensaries to operate within their borders.
5. Taxes & Payment
- Excise Tax: 14% state excise tax on retail sales.
- Sales Tax: 6% state sales tax.
- Local Tax: 1% local option tax (where applicable).
- Payment: Cash, debit (cashless ATMs).
6. Consumption Rules
- Permitted Locations: Private property (if not restricted by a landlord).
- Prohibited Locations: All public places (streets, sidewalks, parks, trails, restaurants, hotels, etc.).
- Vehicles/Open Container: Illegal to consume in a motor vehicle. Open container laws mandate it must be securely stored out of reach.
- Landlord/Employer: Landlords may prohibit smoking on their premises. Employers are not required to accommodate cannabis use and may drug test.
7. Home Cultivation
- Allowed: Yes
- Plant Count Limits: Up to 2 mature plants and 4 immature plants per adult.
- Household Caps: The limit applies per adult, but harvested cannabis must be stored securely indoors.
8. Penalties
- Over-Limit Possession: Can result in civil or criminal penalties depending on the amount.
- Public Consumption: Civil penalty (escalating fines for repeat offenses up to $500).
- Sale to Minors: Criminal charges.
- DUI Thresholds: Impairment-based. No "per se" THC limit; relies on evidence of diminished capacity to safely operate a vehicle.
9. Sources
- Vermont Cannabis Control Board (CCB) (Accessed: 2026-07-12)