What Changed in Cannabis Legislation This Session?
Here is a reminder of what was already legal in Vermont
The Vermont legislature made it legal to grow, distribute, and sell cannabis with THC with an approved license as of October 2022 in Vermont. People 21 and over can legally purchase cannabis from a licensed establishment as well as grow specific amounts in their home. It is not legal for anyone under 21 to possess or consume cannabis with THC.
*It is important to note that cannabis sale and use are still illegal federally.
Towns have the opportunity to “Opt In” to the retail sale of commercial cannabis. Burlington voted to opt-in in 2021. However, cultivation, testing, warehousing, and distribution are not subject to municipal opt-in.
2024-2025 Legislative Changes
There were a number of changes to VT cannabis laws that folks from a variety of sectors of the state were advocating for this past session, but only a few changes actually passed. Here are a the main highlights of what the governor signed into law this month from Bill H.32:
Clarified that law enforcement can seize cannabis with THC when it was grown or possessed illegally
Requires product packaging to have “harvested on” and “packaged on” dates.
Further clarified hemp loophole to ensure products will be regulated by CCB
Allows CCB to take over managing a cannabis business when owner has become incapacitated
Importantly, the VT prevention field will be supported with additional revenue next year from cannabis excise tax. The original law that legalized cannabis required that 30% of revenue collected from cannabis legalization be used to support substance use prevention efforts. However, due to the way the language was worded the amount allocated to prevention was based on what was left after the cost of the regulatory system and other fees were allocated. The language was correct this session and the 30% to the prevention system will now be allocated first, which will likely double the amount going to support prevention programs and strategies next year!
