Vermont finally validates in-store cannabis sales

Nearly two years after legalizing cannabis possession for adults, the Vermont legislature has finally validated the opening of the first cannabis retail stores, with a deadline of May 1, 2022.

With a vote of 23 to 6, the Vermont Senate passed Article 54, the Senate version of a bill passed last week by the House. The bill now goes to Governor Phil Scott, who is expected to sign it without surprise.

Vermont was the first U.S. state to legalize cannabis via legislative proposal of the state, in January 2018. The law only allowed adults 21 and over to grow, possess and consume, with no system for selling. Medical cannabis is also legal in Vermont, and dispensaries are open to those with a state-issued medical card.

Adult consumers had the choice of growing their own, traveling to neighboring Michigan or buying on the black market.

The new law solves this headache and requires the State Council to adopt its final rules by March 1, 2022. The first stores must open no later than May 1, 2022, and cannabis delivery is not specifically prohibited for the time being.

The new law also requires the state's criminal courts to expunge all criminal records for possession or cultivation of cannabis in personal quantities. This process must be completed by January 1, 2022.

Vermont maintains a possession limit of 28g of cannabis flower for adults. Those caught in violation, with more than 28g but less than 56g, will face a civil fine of only 100$ for a first offense, 200$ for a second offense and 500$ for each offense thereafter.

Limits will also be set by product. Cannabis concentrates may not contain more than 60% of THC, and flowers may not exceed 30% of THC. A pack of’edibles, Cannabis-infused foods may not exceed 50mg THC, and each single serving is limited to 5mg THC, half that of California.

The THC vape cartridges flavors will not be authorized, but flavors naturally present in cannabis are accepted.

Medical cannabis will remain tax-free for patients with a state medical card. Adult-use cannabis, on the other hand, will be taxed at 20%.