Last verified: March 2026
The Short Answer: Yes, Since 2018
Cannabis is legal in Vermont for adults 21 and older. On January 22, 2018, Governor Phil Scott allowed H.511 (Act 86) to become law without his signature, making Vermont the first state where legalization came through the legislature rather than a voter ballot initiative. The catch: H.511 authorized only possession and home growing — no commercial sales whatsoever.
It took a second bill, S.54 (Act 164), signed October 7, 2020, to create the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) and establish a retail framework. After a grueling rollout — the CCB launched with just 4 employees and used sequential licensing — the first three stores opened on October 1, 2022, more than four years after legalization.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Recreational (Adult-Use) | Legal for adults 21+ since July 1, 2018 (effective date of H.511) |
|---|---|
| Medical | Available since 2004 — chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, seizure disorders, and more |
| Possession Limit | 1 oz flower, 5g concentrate (S.278 proposes doubling to 2 oz / 10g) |
| Home Growing | 2 mature + 4 immature per dwelling unit; medical: 6 mature + 12 immature |
| Where You Can Consume | Private property only — $100/$200/$500 escalating public fines |
| Tax Rate | 14% excise + 6% state sales + 1% local option = 20–21% total |
| Total Licensees | 576 (362 cultivators, 100+ retailers, 82–88 manufacturers) |
| State Regulator | Cannabis Control Board (CCB) — ccb.vermont.gov |
Vermont's Cannabis Timeline
- 2004: Medical marijuana program established, making Vermont one of the earliest medical states.
- 2013: Possession of up to 1 ounce decriminalized — reduced to a civil penalty.
- January 22, 2018: Governor Phil Scott allows H.511 (Act 86) to become law without his signature. First legislative legalization in U.S. history.
- July 1, 2018: H.511 takes effect — possession and home growing legal, but no commercial sales.
- October 7, 2020: S.54 (Act 164) signed, creating the CCB and authorizing retail cannabis.
- October 1, 2022: First three retail stores open — 4+ years after legalization.
- 2024: Act 166 creates Medical-Use Endorsement, letting retailers serve medical patients. Revenue hits $139.24 million.
- 2025: Act 56 refines licensing. August sets monthly revenue record at $13.64 million. Projected annual revenue exceeds $160 million.
- March 26, 2026: S.278 passes the Senate — proposing doubled limits, delivery permits, event permits, and interstate commerce compacts.
Vermont's market is built like its craft beer, cheese, and maple industries. Of 362 cultivators, 74% hold Tier 1 small-scale licenses. Only 78 of 247 municipalities (32%) have opted in to allow retail sales, keeping the market small and local.
Explore Vermont Cannabis Law
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org