Burlington's Cannabis Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles cannabis regulations a little differently. In Burlington, Vermont, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Home Cultivation

Vermont law allows adults 21 and older to grow up to two mature and four immature cannabis plants per dwelling for personal use. Burlington follows the state limit and requires plants be kept out of public view.

Key details: Mature plants: 2 per dwelling. Immature plants: 4 per dwelling. Minimum age: 21 years. Statute: 7 V.S.A. Section 881. Public view: Prohibited.

Exceeding plant limits or growing visibly outdoors can result in civil fines and possible criminal charges under state law for unlicensed commercial cultivation.

Burlington is more permissive than most cities when it comes to home cultivation. That said, there are still limits.

Dispensary Zoning

Burlington voters opted in to allow cannabis retail establishments under Vermont Act 164. Licensed dispensaries operate under Cannabis Control Board rules with Burlington zoning restrictions on location and hours.

Key details: State law: VT Act 164 of 2020. Local opt-in: Burlington approved. Regulator: VT Cannabis Control Board. School buffer: Required. Local permit: Required.

Operating without a state license or local approval results in immediate closure orders, civil penalties, and license revocation by the Cannabis Control Board.

Buffer Zones

Burlington requires licensed cannabis retail establishments to maintain a setback from schools, daycares, and youth-serving facilities. The buffer protects minors from advertising exposure and direct proximity to retail.

Key details: Protected uses: Schools and daycares. Measurement: Property line distance. Reviewer: Local control commission. Existing operators: Grandfathered. Signage: Restricted near schools.

Locating a dispensary within a buffer zone results in permit denial, and existing operators violating signage rules face fines and potential license suspension.

Personal Cultivation Limits

Vermont allows adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of cannabis and cultivate a limited number of plants per dwelling. Burlington enforces these state limits with no additional municipal restrictions on personal use.

Key details: Possession limit: 1 ounce flower. Hashish limit: 5 grams. Adult age: 21 or older. Public use: Prohibited. Statute: 7 V.S.A. Section 881.

Possessing more than the legal amount, public consumption, or providing cannabis to a minor results in civil fines or criminal charges depending on quantity.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Burlington gives residents more flexibility on personal cultivation limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Burlington gives residents more room on cannabis regulations. 2 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Burlington can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.