Dispensaries

A dispensary in the state of Vermont is a facility where a registered patient and registered caregiver can obtain or purchase marijuana for medicinal use. Dispensaries are a non-profit entities that may acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, transfer, transport, supply, sell, or dispense marijuana and marijuana-infused products for medical use. A registered patient and designated caregivers may obtain marijuana only from the dispensary designated on the ID card.

No more than four dispensaries are valid to register at one time. The Department will publish an announcement when opening the application period for dispensary registration certificates, including the application requirements and deadline for acceptance of applications.

Visiting a Dispensary

Before visiting a designated dispensary, an appointment must be made. Visitors must present the state-issued Medical Marijuana Card showing the designated dispensary and a second state- or government-issued photo ID or birth certificate for verification if this is an initial visit.

Starting a Dispensary

The Department of Public Safety requires owner/operators of a dispensary to be at least 21 years of age with no background of any drug felony convictions. Applicants must be licensed or registered with complete required information, documentation, and fees to start a medical marijuana dispensary. For the approval of registration of a dispensary, one must comply with the rules and regulations of the law.

The total statewide number of registered patients who have designated a dispensary shall not exceed 1,000 at any one time. Any time a dispensary registration certificate is revoked or expires, the department shall accept applications for a new dispensary.

• Must be operated on a nonprofit basis.
• Must be geographically convenient to patients throughout the state of Vermont
• Pay a nonrefundable application fee in the amount of $2,500.00 paid to the department of public safety.
• Provide the proposed physical address of the dispensary.
• Locate the dispensary at least 1,000 feet of the property line of a preexisting public or private school or licensed or regulated child care facility.
• Provide the legal name and articles of incorporation of the dispensary.
• Provide plans to implement appropriate security measure/equipments, including a fully operational security alarm system, to deter and prevent the unauthorized entrance into areas containing marijuana.
• Provide procedures to ensure accurate record-keeping.
• Provide an audit of the dispensary’s financial records.
• State the name, address, and date of birth of organization officers, board member and employee with complete fingerprints.
• Label the packaging of all marijuana that is dispensed.
• Be able to demonstrate as an entity the board members’ experience running a nonprofit organization or business.