Vermont’s General assembly legalized medical marijuana in 2004. The VT Criminal Information Center has been assigned the responsibilities for implementation and administration. You should have one of the qualifying medical condition and be a VT resident to register with the Vermont medical marijuana registry.
How do I get a Registry Identification card in Vermont?
You must be 18 years or older, otherwise you need your parents (or guardian) to accompany you. You must have a debilitating condition confirmed by a health care professional. A registered patient must be a resident of VT. You’ll need to fill out the Registered Patient Application, Health Care Professional Verification Form, include an electronic photograph, and a $50 fee. After this, you may have to wait about 30 days before receiving your card in the mail.
Who Qualifies for Medical Marijuana in Vermont?
Only people with debilitating medical conditions qualify in VT. The list of qualifying conditions includes:
- Any patient receiving hospice care
- Cachexia
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Seizures
- Severe or chronic pain
- Severe nausea
Can Qualifying Conditions Be Added?
Yes, the VT Criminal Information Center can choose to expand the list of qualifying conditions.
Medical Marijuana Doctors in Vermont
Any Health Care Professional can register a patient with the state’s medical marijuana program. Accepted Health Care Professional types include:
- Physician (M.D. or D.O.)
- Physician Assistant (P.A. or PA-C)
- VT Naturopathic Physician (N.D.)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Information regarding health care professionals is confidential. So you will have to find out on your own which doctors will or won’t complete a Health Care Professional Verification Form for you.
Dispensaries In Vermont
The state laws only allow for four dispensaries to be operational at a time. VT is entirely functional with a dispensary in Burlington, Brandon, Brattleboro, and Montpelier.
Marijuana Products Available in Vermont Dispensaries
VT patients will have access to marijuana in the following forms:
- Flower
- Edibles
- Tintures
- CO2 extracts
Consumption of Medical Marijuana
You may not use marijuana in public, while operating a motor vehicle, in a workplace, or while operating heavy machinery.
Protection Against Discrimination
According to the VT Crime Information Center, the medical marijuana legislation in VT “exempts all criminal penalties for the use of marijuana to alleviate the symptoms or effects of a debilitating medical condition.” However, you cannot use marijuana in the workplace and employers are not required to accommodate employees working under the influence.
The Future of VT’s Medical Marijuana Program
Vermont already has all four of its dispensaries opened. The program may see an expanded list of qualifying conditions for more research on marijuana surfaces.
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