Last verified: March 2026
Vermont's caregiver program allows registered individuals to purchase, possess, and cultivate cannabis on behalf of medical patients. The program is particularly important for patients under 18, who are required to have a registered caregiver, and for adult patients with mobility limitations, chronic illness, or other barriers to visiting dispensaries in person.
Caregiver Eligibility
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 21 or older |
| Residency | Vermont resident |
| Criminal history | No drug-related convictions |
| Patient limit | Up to 2 patients |
| Registration fee | $50 |
Registration Process
- Patient designates you: The registered patient must name you as their caregiver during their application or through the Cannabis Control Board (ccb.vermont.gov).
- Submit caregiver application: Provide your Vermont ID, proof of residency, and the $50 registration fee to the CCB.
- Background verification: The CCB verifies you have no disqualifying drug-related convictions.
- Receive your caregiver card: Once approved, your caregiver registration will be processed alongside or after the patient's application.
Caregiver Costs
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Caregiver registration fee | $50 |
| Renewal (every 3 years, aligned with patient) | $50 |
Under-18 Patients: Caregiver Required
Vermont law requires patients under 18 to have a registered caregiver. In practice, this is almost always a parent or legal guardian. The caregiver handles all dispensary interactions, possesses the patient's cannabis, and manages any home cultivation on the patient's behalf.
Key points for minor-patient caregivers:
- The caregiver must be 21+ and a Vermont resident
- The patient's certifying healthcare provider must specifically approve the minor for the program
- The caregiver is responsible for all dosing, storage, and administration
- PTSD does not qualify as a condition for patients under 18 (requires active therapy with a licensed mental health provider, and the condition itself is restricted)
Vermont caregivers can serve a maximum of 2 patients — more restrictive than states like Rhode Island (5 patients) or Maine (5 patients). If you are considering caregiving for multiple patients, plan accordingly.
Caregiver Responsibilities
- Carry your registration: Always have your caregiver card when purchasing or transporting cannabis for a patient.
- Purchase only for designated patients: You may only buy cannabis on behalf of patients who have formally designated you through the CCB.
- Respect possession limits: Medical patients may possess up to 2 ounces. Cannabis you carry on a patient's behalf counts toward their allotment.
- Home cultivation: Caregivers can cultivate on behalf of their patients. Medical patients are authorized 6 mature + 12 immature plants — the caregiver can manage this cultivation.
- No diversion: Using or selling a patient's cannabis for your own purposes or to third parties is a criminal offense.
Medical Advantages Caregivers Access
When purchasing on behalf of a registered patient, caregivers access the same medical advantages:
- 0% tax (vs. 20–21% recreational)
- No potency caps (vs. 30% flower / 60% concentrate / 50mg edible)
- 2 oz possession (vs. 1 oz recreational)
- Delivery and curbside available at participating dispensaries
Where Caregivers Can Purchase
Caregivers can purchase at any of Vermont's 23 medical access points:
- 20 retailers with Medical-Use Endorsement (MUE)
- 3 traditional integrated dispensaries: Grassroots Vermont (Brandon), Vermont Patients Alliance (Montpelier), Hello Hi (Winooski)
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org