Vermont

QUALIFYING PATIENTS IN VERMONT

In order to apply for a patient ID, you must first have a written medical marijuana recommendation from your doctor. You can find the form for your doctor's recommendation, your application, and a caregiver's application on the Marijuana Registry website. There is a $50 application fee for patients. The application form for patients can be found here (PDF). You will have to submit a photo with the application. Make sure it meets their requirements:

Your photo must be:

• In color;
• Reflect your current appearance (taken within the last 6 months);
• A clear image of ONLY you (not blurry, grainy, or fuzzy);
• Full face-and-shoulder shot, squarely facing the camera (no sunglasses)

Eligible conditions:

If you are diagnosed with one of the following conditions, you may be eligible for physician certification as a patient in Vermont:

• Cancer
• Multiple sclerosis
• HIV
• AIDS
• Crohn's disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Glaucoma
  • if the disease or the treatment results in severe, persistent, and intractable symptoms.
• PTSD (requires the Mental Health Care Provider Form)
• A disease, medical condition, or its treatment that is chronic, debilitating, and produces one or more of the following intractable symptoms:
  • cachexia or wasting syndrome
  • chronic pain
  • severe nausea
  • seizures

Becoming a Patient as a Minor:

If you are under the age of 18 and wish to become a medical cannabis patient in Vermont, use the forms provided above. The application process is the same for minor patients; however, your parent or legal guardian will have to sign the form.

Benefits of Being a Patient:

As a registered patient in Vermont you will have an affirmative defense in court if you are arrested for the possession of cannabis.

Becoming a Caregiver:

If you wish to become a caregiver, you must apply with the state and obtain a registry ID card. A patient may only have one caregiver at a time and a person can only be a caregiver for one patient at a time. A caregiver must be at least 21 years old and free of convictions for drug related crimes. A caregiver can cultivate marijuana in a secure indoor facility with locks the location of this facility must be specified in the caregiver application. Caregivers can cultivate/possess no more than two mature marijuana plants, seven immature plants, and two ounces of usable marijuana may be collectively possessed between the registered patient and the patient's registered caregiver. The registration form for caregivers can be found here (PDF).

Out-of-State Patients:

Vermont does not recognize Out-of-State registration. For more information about traveling as a medical cannabis patient, check out our Travel Guide.

Home Cultivation:

Any adult over the age of 21 may grow up to two mature plants and four immature plants at the same time in any given household.

Cannabis Expungement:

Cannabis Expungement: In 2020, S234 authorized the automatic expungement of low-level convictions (possession of 2 ounces or less) of cannabis before January 2021. This bill also decriminalizes certain marijuana offenses, such as the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis. For more information refer to the website of the Vermont General Assembly.

Medical cannabis patients can find additional resources here

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