Members of the Vermont House and Senate have approved legislation (S. 278) raising marijuana possession limits and making other regulatory and licensing changes to the state’s adult use cannabis laws. The legislation now awaits action from Republican Gov. Phil Scott.
Specifically, the measure doubles the amount of botanical cannabis (from one ounce to two ounces) and/or hashish (from five grams to ten grams) that an adult may legally purchase and possess. Under current law, possessing up to one ounce of cannabis is legal, but possessing between one and two ounces is classified as a criminal misdemeanor — punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.
Other language in the bill provides regulations for certain cannabis establishments to hold a limited number of public events per year and allows for the Governor to negotiate interstate commerce agreements with other states if federal marijuana prohibition is repealed, among other changes.
In April, Massachusetts lawmakers similarly passed legislation into law doubling the amount of cannabis (from one ounce to two ounces) that adults may legally purchase, possess in public, and gift to one another.
If signed into law, most of the changes will go into effect on July 1, 2026.
NORML’s action alert regarding S. 278 is available online.
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