Vermont Gov. Signs Bill to Double Cannabis Possession Limits  

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) last week signed a bill doubling the cannabis possession limits for adults 21-and-older. The legislation raises the transaction limit at licensed dispensaries to two ounces of flower or 10 grams of hashish. 

Additionally, the law includes language allowing for interstate cannabis markets. The bill notes that there is a “shifting federal posture on regulated cannabis markets” and that the General Assembly should “prepare for the possibility of regional or interstate cannabis markets.” The bill states that interstate cannabis commerce would only be permitted if federal law is amended to allow such commerce, if federal law blocks the use of agency funds to prevent interstate cannabis transfers, if the U.S. Department of Justice issues a memo allowing interstate cannabis commerce, or if state attorneys general determine that entering into such agreements “will not result in significant legal risk to this State based on review of federal judicial decisions and administrative action.” 

The legislation also includes housing protections for cannabis consumers, prohibiting landlords from including language barring cannabis possession in leases; however, leases would be allowed to “prohibit the use of lighted cannabis or cannabis products intended for inhalation within the rental premises.” 

The bill also creates a pilot program to allow for cannabis sales at events, but would not permit cannabis consumption at those events. 

A previous version of the bill would have reduced the excise tax on cannabis sales; however, that provision was not included in the final version passed by lawmakers.