Vermont 18 V.S.A. §4230a and Burlington Code prohibit cannabis consumption in public places including streets, sidewalks, parks, Church Street, and on-premises at retail dispensaries despite legal recreational possession of up to one ounce.
While Vermont legalized adult possession of up to one ounce of cannabis in 2018 and licensed retail sales in 2022 under Act 164, public consumption remains prohibited under 18 V.S.A. §4230a. Smoking or vaping cannabis on Burlington streets, sidewalks, parks, school grounds, or public buildings is a civil offense. Burlington does not allow on-site consumption lounges, and dispensaries cannot permit customers to consume on premises. Smoking cannabis is also banned wherever tobacco is banned under Vermont's Smoking in the Workplace Act.
Public consumption is a civil violation carrying fines up to $100 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses, plus possible additional charges if combined with disorderly conduct or impaired driving.
Burlington, VT
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Burlington, VT
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See how Burlington's public marijuana use rules stack up against other locations.
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