Cannabis law in Vermont (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Vermont has a licensed adult-use retail market for people aged 21 or over, and individuals may grow up to two mature and four immature plants without a licence. Consuming cannabis in a public place is prohibited and subject to civil penalties. The medical programme is open to Vermont residents only.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [1] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [2] |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Licensed retail stores for adults [2] |
| Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [3] |
| Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult | Legal for medical use [4] |
| VisitorsPersonal use by an adult | Some rules for residents only [4] |
| Minimum agePersonal use by an adult | 21 years [5] |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal (Vermont Department of Health). Using cannabis can impair judgement, coordination, reaction time and attention. [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | Adults 21+ may possess 1 ounce or less of cannabis or 5 grams or less of hashish, plus up to 2 mature and 4 immature plants. Cannabis grown and stored at home under the home-grow rules does not count towards the 1-ounce limit. [5] |
Notes
- The Department of Health page states that cannabis is legal to use in Vermont if you are over 21. The statute giving the exact possession limits could not be read, so the limit rule is left to verify.
- Anyone growing more than two mature or four immature cannabis plants needs a cannabis establishment licence (or USDA registration for hemp). Registered medical patients may have six mature and twelve immature plants.
- Only licensed retailers may sell to the public. In a single transaction a retailer may provide one ounce of cannabis or the equivalent in products to a person aged 21 or over with valid photo identification (7 V.S.A. § 907(b), as quoted by the Board).
- Public consumption in any form is prohibited, with civil penalties capped at $100 for a first offence, $200 for a second and $500 for a third or later. Consumption is also prohibited in all places of public accommodation, including privately owned ones; it is not prohibited on private property that is not a place of public accommodation.
- To qualify for the medical programme a patient must be a Vermont resident with a debilitating medical condition. The pages read do not say whether adult-use rules distinguish residents.
Sources
- Vermont Department of Health: Cannabis & Adult Health (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Adult-use licensing questions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Public Safety & Education Questions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Vermont Cannabis Control Board: Medical Program FAQs (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Vermont General Assembly: 18 V.S.A. § 4230a Cannabis possession by a person 21 years of age or older (Internet Archive snapshot of 18 April 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Possession for personal use | Criminal offence (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Growing at home | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
| Sale to consumers | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
Vermont and neighbouring states
| State | Possession for personal use | Growing at home | Sale to consumers | Use or carrying in public places | Medical cannabis | Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | Legal for adults 21+ | Up to 2 mature, 4 immature plants | Licensed retail stores, 21+ | No consumption in public (civil penalty) | Registered patients, dispensaries | Medical programme: residents only |
| Massachusetts | Legal for adults 21+, within limits | Yes: up to 6 plants | Licensed retailers | Banned in public places | Medical programme (certified patients) | Out-of-state adults 21+ may buy |
| New Hampshire | Violation: $100 fine up to 3/4 oz | ⚠ Not yet verified | No (sales are an offence) | — | Therapeutic cannabis programme (RSA 126-X) | — |
| New York | Legal for adults 21+, within limits | ⚠ Not yet verified | Licensed retail dispensaries | Banned where smoking is banned | Medical cannabis programme | Source silent on visitors |
More rules in Vermont
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 mph max; local 25 mph or more · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (junior operator's licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers excluded)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence only with intent to injure
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $14.42 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.