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
Contents
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.