The Vermont Cannabis Control Board issues medical cannabis cards to patients and caregivers registered in the state’s medical marijuana program. Before joining this program, a patient must visit a qualified medical provider to get a recommendation for medical marijuana use. The Vermont medical cannabis program accepts completed Health Care Professional Verification Form provided by physicians, osteopathic physicians, naturopathic physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners licensed to practice in the state. Equivalent medical providers licensed to practice in New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire can also provide this certification for patients seeking the Vermont medical cannabis card.
Eligible medical providers can assess patients’ suitability for medical cannabis in person or via telehealth services. They must confirm that the patients being certified are diagnosed with qualifying medical conditions recognized under the Vermont medical cannabis law. Patients must also provide medical cannabis recommendations from their providers every other year (for annually renewed medical cards) or whenever they renew their cards (for cards with 3-year validity period). The cost of provider consultation to obtain completed, signed, and dated Health Care Professional Verification Form varies by location and type of practice. On average, patients may expect to pay $100 - $400 for provider visits resulting in their medical cannabis recommendations.
Vermont’s Cannabis Control Board charges a $50 non-refundable fee for its medical cannabis card. It also charges the same amount for renewing this card.