How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Vermont

What is an MMJ Card in Vermont?

A Vermont medical marijuana card, commonly called a registry identification card, permits patients with state-approved debilitating medical conditions to access medical cannabis treatment. The card is issued under the state's Medical Cannabis Program and allows qualifying marijuana patients to possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis. Similarly, as stipulated in HB 270, Vermont medical marijuana cardholders can now cultivate up to 6 mature and 12 immature marijuana plants at home for personal use.

In 2004, the state legislature passed Senate Bill 76 (an Act Relating to Medical Use of Marijuana) to legalize medical cannabis in Vermont. Senate Bill 76 established the state's Medical Cannabis Program, and over the years, additional bills have been passed to expand the list of qualifying medical conditions and improve the program. The Vermont Cannabis Control Board (CCB) issues registry identification cards to qualifying patients and caregivers through the state's Medical Cannabis Program. Besides issuing medical cannabis cards, the CCB is also responsible for implementing and administering laws enabling cannabis use (medical and recreational) and ensuring a safe marijuana market in Vermont.

Who Can Apply for an MMJ Card in Vermont?

Any individual, aged 18 years or older, living with one or more of the debilitating medical conditions recognized under state law qualifies and can apply for a Vermont medical marijuana card. Such a person must be a resident of the state and have a written medical cannabis recommendation from a licensed medical provider to apply for a medical marijuana card as a patient. Similarly, a person who wishes to become a caregiver can apply for a medical marijuana card in Vermont. They must be at least 21 years old with no conviction for a drug-related crime.

Can a Minor Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Vermont?

Yes. Vermont residents under the age of 18 living with one or more qualifying medical conditions can obtain medical marijuana cards in the state. However, the consent of their parents or legal guardians is required. In addition, they must have recommendations from approved physicians confirming the suitability of cannabis treatment for their medical conditions.

What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Cards in Vermont шт 2024?

As stipulated in House Bill 270, the health conditions that qualify for Vermont medical marijuana cards include the following:

• Glaucoma
• Parkinson's disease
• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Crohn's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Severe, persistent, and intractable symptoms resulting from the treatment of the aforementioned conditions
• Any medical condition or disease or its treatment that is debilitating, chronic, and produces one or more of the following intractable conditions:
  • Seizures
  • Chronic pain
  • Cachexia or wasting syndrome
  • Severe nausea

How Do I Apply for an MMJ Card in Vermont in 2024?

A qualifying patient can apply for a medical marijuana card in Vermont by submitting a mail or online application to the state's Cannabis Control Board (CCB). To submit a mail application, an applicant must take the following steps:

• Schedule an appointment with a licensed healthcare provider who will confirm eligibility for medical marijuana treatment and issue their recommendation through the HealthCare Professional Verification Form
• After obtaining a medical provider's recommendation, complete the Patient Application Form and check "Initial Application" as the application type. If the applicant is a minor (under 18), proof of guardianship or power of attorney must be attached to this form
• Send a colored digital photo that is clear and reflects the current appearance as an attachment to the CCB by email. The subject line of the email should have the applicant's full name (first and last) and date of birth. Staff at the Medical Cannabis Program will confirm receipt and acceptance of the photo by email
• Prepare a money order or check made out to the Vermont Medical Cannabis Program to the tune of the applicable fee
• Package completed forms and the check or money order in an envelope and mail the package to the CCB at:

Cannabis Control Board

Attn: Medical Cannabis Program

89 Main Street

Montpelier, VT 05620-7001

The application fee for a Vermont medical marijuana card can also be made in cash, but the applicant must contact the CCB by email to schedule an appointment. Due to the volume of medical marijuana card applications sent to the CCB, the board may be unable to accommodate walk-in cash payments.

How Does a Primary Caregiver Get a Vermont MMIC?

In Vermont, primary caregivers are also required to obtain medical marijuana cards. A caregiver is someone who has agreed to take up the responsibility for managing a patient's well-being as regards the use of medical marijuana. Some of a caregiver's duties include going to the dispensaries to purchase medical marijuana products, receiving marijuana deliveries on behalf of their patients, and marijuana cultivation for patients' personal use.

To qualify as a caregiver in Vermont, a person must be a resident and at least 21 years old. Under Vermont medical cannabis laws, a primary caregiver may have up to two registered cannabis patients under their care. While a registered marijuana patient may serve as a caregiver for up to two other registered patients, no patient can register as their own caregiver.

To get a Vermont MMIC as a caregiver by mail, the applicant, who must already have an active patient in the state's Medical Cannabis Program, should take the following steps:

• Complete the Caregiver Application Form
• Submit a clear, colored, and recent photo (digital) to the CCB by email at CCB.MED@Vermont.gov using the applicant's full name and date of birth as email subject
• Prepare a check or money order in the amount of the required application fee made payable to the Vermont Medical Cannabis Program
• Submit the completed application form and payment instrument (all in an envelope) by mail to the CCB at: \ \ _Cannabis Control Board \ \ _ _Medical Cannabis Program \ \ _ _89 Main Street \ \ _ Montpelier, VT 05620-7001

How Long Does it Take to Get a Vermont MMIC?

It takes about 30 days from receipt of an application for the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) to review and process a medical marijuana card application in Vermont. Typically, applicants will hear from the CCB in writing within this period. If an application is approved, the CCB will send the registry identification card to the applicant at the mailing address provided with their application. However, the approval period may exceed 30 days if an application is incomplete. In this case, the CCB will notify the applicant in writing and guide them on what they need to do to complete the application.

Getting a Vermont Medical Marijuana Card Online

To apply for a Vermont medical marijuana card online, a qualifying patient must create an account using the New Patient Account Form provided by the state's Cannabis Control Board. Similarly, a caregiver is required to create an online account using the Caregiver New Account Form. After creating an online account, the applicant (patient or caregiver) should access their existing account and initiate their application. Follow the prompts and provide all required information and documents when filling out the application.

Generally, a person must have the following handy when applying for a Vermont medical marijuana card online:

• A clear, front-facing, and colored digital photo (no masks, sunglasses, or caps)
• A valid email account
• A debit or credit card (cash, check, or money order not accepted for online applications)

How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost in Vermont?

The cost of obtaining a Vermont medical marijuana card is a non-refundable $50 fee for both patients and caregivers. This payment can be made with a money order or check payable to the Vermont Cannabis Control Board. The check or money order must be submitted to the CCB alongside the other application documentation.

How Do I Renew My Medical Marijuana Card In Vermont?

Vermont medical marijuana cards expire three years after issuance, and cardholders must renew them to continue participating in the state's Medical Cannabis Program. Before initiating the renewal process, a cannabis patient must meet their medical provider to reevaluate and recertify them for medical marijuana treatment by completing the Healthcare Professional Verification Form. After obtaining a physician's certification, a patient should do the following to renew their Vermont medical cannabis card:

• Complete the Patient Application Form and check "Renewal Application" as the application type. A caregiver should complete the Caregiver Application Form and also select "Renewal Application" as the application type
• Send a clear photo to the CCB by email
• Submit the completed application form and a $50 check or money order to the Cannabis Control Board by mail

Alternatively, Vermont medical marijuana cardholders can renew their medical cards online using the online application portal provided by the CCB.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card in Vermont?

The following documents are required to apply for a Vermont medical marijuana card:

• Application forms
  • Patient Application Form (For patients)
  • Caregiver Application Form (For caregivers)
  • Healthcare Professional Verification Form (to be completed by an approved medical provider after medical assessment)
• Applicant’s clear and colored photo
• Application fee payment proof (Check or money order made payable to the Vermont Cannabis Control Board)

Are my Details Kept Confidential When I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Vermont?

Yes. All personal and medical information and supporting documents submitted when applying for a Vermont medical marijuana card are maintained by the state's Cannabis Control Board. These details, including patients' identifying information, information about their medical providers, and details concerning their caregivers, are kept confidential by the CCB in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). The HIPPA protects patients' medical records, including medical cannabis records, and requires them to be kept private. In addition, it sets limits and conditions on the disclosures and uses of such details without patients' approval.

What Information Appears On A Vermont Medical Marijuana Card?

• Cardholder's full name
• Cardholder's date of birth
• Cardholder’s photo
• Identification number
• Card issuance date
• Card expiry date

Can Someone Track Me Down Through The Vermont Registry?

No, it will be impossible for anyone to track down a Vermont medical marijuana cardholder through the state's cannabis registry. Details of registered cannabis patients and caregivers maintained in the registry are kept private by the CCB and not publicly available.