Medical Marijuana in Vermont
In 2004, S 76 passed, which legalized medical marijuana for patients with qualifying conditions, such as cancer and multiple sclerosis, and allowed them to cultivate their own plants under the Vermont Department of Public Safety. Three (3) years later, Act 58 passed without the signature of Governor Jim Douglas adding more qualifying conditions, as well as increasing the number of mature plants a patient may possess. Fortunately, in 2010, Governor Peter Shumlin was elected and signed legislation that would allow up to 4 medical marijuana dispensaries throughout Vermont.
Further moving towards expansive legalization, Vermont became the 17th state to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana in 2013 when Governor Phil Scott signed H 511. While waiting for cannabis legalization to move through the legislative process, Vermont’s industrial hemp industry began growing the state’s cannabidiols market. From 2014 till 2017, various Senate bills were passed allowing additional qualifying conditions such as glaucoma, PTSD, and chronic pain, as well as expanding dispensary locations. By 2020, S. 54 was passed, which allowed the medical cannabis program to be overseen by a new Cannabis Control Board rather than being regulated by a law enforcement agency.
Recreational Marijuana in Vermont
After successfully legalizing possession and cultivation of cannabis for adults 21 and older in 2018, Vermont celebrated their newest victory on October 7, 2020 when Governor Scott announced he would allow S. 54 to become law without his signature – allowing Vermont to be the 11th state to legalize adult-use cannabis. In 2021, legislators further strengthened Vermont’s cannabis industry by passing S. 25, which created stronger social equity provisions and establishing a Cannabis Business Development Fund.
Applications for Marijuana Business Licenses
Currently, the Cannabis Control Board is accepting applications for the following licenses:
- Cultivator
- Indoor, Outdoor, Mixed – Tiers I – VI
- Manufacturer
- Tiers I – III
- Wholesaler
- Integrated
- Retail
- Testing Laboratory
Pricing
Application fee: $1,000
Cultivation Associated fees: $750 – $75,000
Manufacturer Associated fees: $750 – $15,000
Retailer Associated fees: $10,000
Wholesaler Associated fees: $4,000
Integrated Associated fees: $100,000
General Application Requirements
- Operations Plan
- Compliance & Management Plans
- Disclosure of Financiers
- Location Information
- Criminal Background Check
- Security Measures
- Insurance, Taxation, & Banking Requirements
- Plans Related to Positive Impact Criteria
- Can hold more than one (1) license, so long as not the same “type”
Currently, there is an open application process for Adult-Use Marijuana Business Licenses in Vermont. Now is the time to get started with your comprehensive and strategic business plan! Contact one of our consultants to further discuss your options here.
Last Updated: July 26th, 2023