Legal Considerations for Home Growing in Vermont

If you’ve ever thought about home growing in Vermont, you’ve picked one of the better states to give it a shot. You’re not alone—and the good news is, yes, it’s legal. But before you go planting seeds and setting up lights in your spare bedroom, you’ll want to know the rules. Growing weed in Vermont comes with some clear guidelines (and a few gray areas) that can either make it a chill hobby or land you in hot water. So, let’s break it down—what’s allowed, what’s not, and what you’ll want to keep in mind if you’re thinking of getting your green thumb involved in the green stuff.

Key Takeaways

• Adults 21+ in Vermont can legally grow cannabis for personal use.
• You’re allowed up to two mature and four immature plants per household—not per person.
• All plants must be kept out of public view and in a secure, enclosed area.
• Homegrown cannabis can’t be sold or traded—it’s strictly personal use only.
• There’s a possession limit: You can keep the harvest at home, but only 1 ounce can be carried in public.

So… Can You Grow Weed in Vermont?

Yes, as long as you’re 21 or older, you’re good to go. Vermont legalized recreational cannabis in 2018, and the rules for home growing were part of the package. But there’s a big catch: the limit is per household, not per adult. So if you and your roommate both want to grow, you’ll have to share the plant count.

You can have:

• 2 mature plants (flowering, ready to harvest)
• 4 immature plants (in the seedling/veg stage)

And that’s it—no stacking per person, even if you’re all legal adults.

Where Can You Grow?

Short version: Not in plain sight.

The law says your plants need to be in a secure, enclosed area and out of public view. So no backyard plants next to the picket fence unless they’re under serious cover. This also applies to balconies, front porches, and anywhere a neighbor or passing dog walker might catch a peek.

Inside a locked shed, in a greenhouse with opaque walls, or a tent setup indoors? That’s more like it.

Home Growing in Vermont: How Much Weed Can You Keep?

Here’s where things get a little nuanced. Vermont law allows you to possess up to 1 ounce of usable cannabis in public. But at home? You can hold onto the full harvest from your legal plants—no matter how much that ends up being.

That means:

Location	Limit
Public	1 ounce of usable cannabis
Private home	No specific limit (must come from legal plants)

But just because there’s no strict home limit doesn’t mean you can go wild. If you’re caught with pounds of unmarked weed and no plants to back it up, you might be answering some uncomfortable questions.

Can You Sell Your Homegrown Weed?

Absolutely not.

Even though adult-use cannabis is legal, Vermont’s system is tightly regulated—and selling weed requires a license. Sharing with friends over a smoke session? That’s generally okay, but no money can exchange hands. If you “gift” your friend a nug and they “gift” you $20 back, that’s still considered illegal sale.

Also off-limits:

• Trading for services (like “mow my lawn and I’ll give you a jar”)
• Swapping for goods (“I’ll give you this bud for that homebrew”)
• Listing your stash online—even as a joke

Are There Penalties?

Yep. Going over the plant limit, growing in public view, or gifting/selling weed outside the legal framework can all lead to fines or even criminal charges depending on the situation. Law enforcement in Vermont may be relaxed, but they’re not looking the other way on blatant violations.

Tips for Staying on the Right Side of the Law

Want to grow without the stress? Keep these basics in mind:

• Stick to the 2 mature / 4 immature plant rule.
• Grow your plants somewhere secure and private.
• Label your plants and keep good records—especially if you harvest more than expected.
• Don’t carry more than 1 ounce in public.
• Don’t sell, barter, or trade your cannabis. Ever.

Final Thoughts

Home growing in Vermont is a great way to stay stocked up, get to know your bud more intimately, and maybe even save a little money—if you follow the rules. It’s not hard, but it does require you to be mindful about limits, visibility, and storage.

Respect the law, keep your grow clean and secure, and you’ll be living your best garden life in the Green Mountain State. Just remember: the more you understand about home growing in Vermont, the better your chances of staying legal and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow weed in my backyard in Vermont?

Only if it’s fully enclosed and out of public view. Think fenced-in and covered—not just sitting by the tomato plants.

What happens if I grow more than the legal plant limit?

You could face fines or criminal charges, especially if it looks like you’re growing to sell.

Can landlords ban home growing in Vermont?

Yes. Landlords can prohibit cultivation in rental agreements, so check your lease.

How much weed can I carry in Vermont?

Only 1 ounce in public, but you can keep more at home as long as it’s from your legal grow.

Can I give away weed I grew?

Yes, but only in small amounts and without expecting anything in return.