Many states have laws that stand for all marijuana offenders. However
Vermont has different laws for those charged on first offenses. Vermont
is one of the few states that allows marijuana possession and growth
for medical purposes. Individuals must first acquire state-recognized
identification cards.
Those who are eligible for marijuana usage usually include those
suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, AIDS, cancer, or HIV. Each
individual is only permitted to obtain or possess a certain amount at
one time. This also includes the number of mature plants grown at once.
All those without proper identification cards will be charged with
marijuana offenses.
Possession
Possession offenses in Vermont are based on the amount an individual
possesses upon an arrest. Possessing fewer than two ounces on a first
offense is considered a misdemeanor offense. This offense is punishable
by a fine of five hundred dollars and no more than six months in jail.
All other possession offenses are considered felony offenses in the
state of Vermont.
Possessing fewer than two ounces on a subsequent offense can earn up to
two thousand dollars in fines and no more than two years in prison.
Possessing between two ounces and one pound can include a fine of ten
thousand dollars and up to three years in prison. Any possession
between one pound and ten pounds is penalized by up to five years of
incarceration and a one hundred thousand-dollar fine. Possessing more
than ten pounds will result in a five hundred thousand-dollar fine and
up to fifteen years in prison.
Cultivation
Cultivation offenses in Vermont are based on the number of plants. All
cultivation offenses are considered felony offenses within the state.
Cultivating between three and ten plants can earn a fine of ten
thousand dollars and up to three years in prison. Cultivation between
eleven and twenty-five plants can earn five years in prison and up to
one hundred thousand dollars in fines. Cultivating more than
twenty-five plants is penalized by a five hundred thousand-dollar fee
and up to fifteen years in prison.
Sale
All sale offenses are based on the amount sold and to whom the
marijuana is sold. All marijuana sale offenses are considered felony
offenses in Vermont. Selling less than half an ounce can earn up to ten
thousand dollars in fines and no more than two years in prison. Selling
between half an ounce and one pound can result in five years of
incarceration and a fine of ten thousand dollars.
Selling more than one pound can earn a fine of five hundred thousand
dollars and up to fifteen years in prison. Delivering any amount to a
minor on school property or on a school bus can earn an addition ten
years of imprisonment to a sale offense. When an individual over the
age of eighteen is charged with selling to an individual who is three
years or more younger than he or she, the individual is penalized with
a twenty-five thousand-dollar fine and no more than five years in
prison.
Selling marijuana paraphernalia is a misdemeanor offense than can earn
a fine of one thousand dollars and up to one year in jail.