{"id":286781,"date":"2019-10-17T10:39:13","date_gmt":"2019-10-17T15:39:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-vermont.html"},"modified":"2023-08-11T13:22:34","modified_gmt":"2023-08-11T18:22:34","slug":"how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-vermont","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-vermont.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Open a Marijuana Dispensary in Vermont"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Open a Marijuana Dispensary in Vermont<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Medical marijuana has been legal in Vermont since 2004. But medical dispensaries were not allowed to sell medical cannabis until 2011. Then, in 2018, the governor of Vermont signed a bill that legalized the possession and limited cultivation of recreational cannabis. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

By 2020, the state of Vermont opened the licensing process for recreational use marijuana businesses. Adult-use cannabis dispensaries started opening in Vermont in October 2022.<\/p>\r\n

The legalization of recreational cannabis in Vermont is relatively new. As a result, the Vermont cannabis industry is an exciting place to start a cannabis dispensary. If you want to be part of this growing cannabis market, there are strict state and local marijuana laws you need to follow.<\/p>\r\n

The Vermont Cannabis Control Board oversees cannabis establishments and cannabis business license applications in the state. The table below outlines regulations and compliance issues you should be aware of when opening a dispensary in Vermont.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Relevant Laws<\/th>\r\n

Application Fees<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Types of Licenses<\/th>\r\n

The state recognizes six cannabis license types that can be stacked<\/a>. This means a business can have more than one type of license but not more than one license of the same type:<\/p>\r\n

Who Can I Sell To?<\/th>\r\n

Recreational cannabis sales are only for adults 21 or older. Cannabis retail stores must verify this information by asking for an ID when the customer enters the store and again before selling any cannabis products to a customer.<\/p>\r\n

Customers can order cannabis online but must pick the order up from your store. Delivery to customers is not available now.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Criminal History<\/th>\r\n

The CCB will review your federal, Vermont, and out-of-state criminal records before it decides on your application. Record checks are $425<\/a>. The CCB will reject your application if you have a pending charge or convicted of:<\/p>\r\n

How Much Cannabis Can I Sell?<\/th>\r\nA dispensary can sell up to one ounce of cannabis per customer.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Who Issues the Licenses?<\/h2>\r\n

The Cannabis Control Board<\/a> ensures Vermont dispensaries are compliant with state laws and regulations.<\/p>\r\n

Can I Open My Dispensary Anywhere?<\/h2>\r\n

The law prohibits marijuana dispensaries from operating within 500 feet of a preexisting school or childcare facility<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Am I Limited in What I Can Sell at My Vermont Marijuana Dispensary?<\/h2>\r\n

Yes. Should you want to sell vape cartridges or products, you need another license to do so. Contact the Department of Liquor and Lottery<\/a> for this license. Consuming cannabis and cannabis products in public is illegal<\/a> in Vermont, so do not allow it on your premises.<\/p>\r\n

What Should I Include in the Marijuana Dispensary Registration Application?<\/h2>\r\n

Vermont’s application process is very stringent and very specific. Some of the documents you need to present to get a dispensary license include:<\/p>\r\n