VermontCannabis Growing Guide
Everything you need to grow cannabis at home in Vermont. Laws, climate tips, recommended strains, and local resources.
Age Requirement
21+ years old
Mature Plants
2 per household
Immature Plants
4 per household
Legal Since
July 1, 2018
Legal Overview
Vermont legalized home cannabis cultivation through the S.54 (Vermont Cannabis Legalization) on July 1, 2018.
What's Allowed
- •Growing up to 2 mature (flowering) plants per household
- •Growing up to 4 immature plants per household
- •Possessing all cannabis produced by your plants
- •Processing your harvest for personal use
Not Allowed
- •Exceeding 2 mature plants per household
- •Exceeding 4 immature plants per household
- •Growing plants in a public place
- •Growing plants visible from public areas
Location Requirements
Where and how you can legally grow cannabis in Vermont.
Private Property
Plants must be grown on private property in a location that is not visible from a public area.
Not Publicly Visible
Cannabis plants cannot be visible from a public place without the use of binoculars.
Secure Area
Taking reasonable steps to prevent access by anyone under 21 is required.
Making Concentrates
Rules for making cannabis concentrates and extracts in Vermont.
Allowed Methods
- •Rosin pressing
- •Ice water hash
- •Dry sift
- •Infusing with food-safe oils
Prohibited Methods
- •Butane (BHO extraction)
- •Propane
- •Other volatile solvents
Important: Volatile solvents (butane, propane, etc.) are prohibited for home extraction in Vermont. Stick to solventless methods like rosin pressing and ice water hash.
Renting? Important Considerations
What renters in Vermont need to know about home cultivation.
- ⚠️Landlords can prohibit cannabis cultivation
- ⚠️Review your lease for cannabis-related clauses
- ⚠️Vermont's small towns mean less anonymity
Compliance Tips
Best practices for staying compliant with Vermont cannabis laws.
✓Household Limits Only
Vermont limits are per household, not per person. Max 2 mature + 4 immature regardless of adults in the home.
✓First by Legislature
Vermont was the first state to legalize through the legislature rather than ballot initiative (2018).
✓Cold Climate
Vermont's short growing season and cold winters favor indoor growing or fast-finishing autoflowers outdoors.
Climate & Growing Season
USDA Zone
USDA Zones 3b-5b
Outdoor Season
Late May - September
Last Frost
Mid May - Early June
First Frost
Mid September - Early October
Challenging outdoor conditions. Indoor growing is recommended.
Vermont's cold climate and short growing season (100-120 frost-free days) make indoor growing or fast-finishing autoflowers the best options. The Green Mountains create microclimates - valleys may have slightly longer seasons than higher elevations.
Recommended Strains for Vermont
These strains are particularly well-suited for growing in Vermont's climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cannabis plants can I grow in Vermont?
Vermont allows up to 2 mature (flowering) plants and 4 immature plants per household. These are household limits, not per-person.
Can I grow cannabis outdoors in Vermont?
Yes, outdoor growing is allowed on private property as long as plants aren't visible from public areas. Vermont's short season requires choosing early-finishing strains.
When did Vermont legalize cannabis?
Vermont legalized cannabis possession and home growing on July 1, 2018. It was the first state to legalize through legislative action rather than ballot initiative.
Why are Vermont's plant limits so low?
Vermont took a conservative approach when it became the first state to legalize through legislature. The limits (2 mature, 4 immature per household) are among the lowest in legal states.
Nearby Legal States
Compare laws in your region
Ready to Start Growing in Vermont?
Check out our complete growing guide and equipment recommendations.