In order to receive a marijuana prescription in the state of Vermont you must become a registered patient with Vermont's Marijuana Registry, which is a program operating within the state's Department of Public Safety. The registry is designed to protect people from criminal prosecution if they suffer from symptoms associated with certain debilitating diseases. In order to learn more about the specific requirements, continue reading this how-to on obtaining a medical marijuana prescription in Vermont.

In 2004, the state of Vermont became the ninth state to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes.http://www.vtmd.org/guide/Medical%20Marjuana.html Although Vermont governor James Douglas did not support the legislation, he allowed the bill to become a law without his signature because he did not believe in opposing the state's elected officials. Initially the state only allowed distribution for the most debilitating diseases such as Cancer and AIDS, but new, more laxed legislation was passed in 2007. Continue reading for further information on how to get a medical marijuana prescription in the state of Vermont.

• • NOTE: This page is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as recommendation by Mahalo for any sort of illegal or unauthorized drug use. Always ensure that you are aware of all laws and risks regarding the use of marijuana before doing so. The information provided on this page was current as of March 2009 and the laws and processes described below are subject to change.

In order to lawfully obtain marijuana for medicinal purposes in the state of Vermont, you must suffer from a serious or terminal illness whose debilitating symptoms or effects have previously been treated, but have not relieved the symptoms. This includes, but is not limited to the following:

• 1. Multiple sclerosis
  2. AIDS
  3. Cancer
  4. if the condition or disease produces symptoms that are persistent, severe or difficult to handle including nausea, seizures, severe pain or cachexiahttp://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=2012#cond

• In order to complete Vermont's registration requirements for obtaining a medical marijuana prescription, you must first find a doctor and establish a relationship. This means you must have been seeing the doctor for at least six months before he will be able to recommend, in writing, that you receive medicinal marijuana. Vermont also allows that:http://www.dps.state.vt.us/cjs/marijuana.htm

• 1. The physician must have performed a complete examination and assessed the patient's current medical condition
  2. Physician must be licensed to prescribe medicine in Vermont, New York, Massachusetts or New Hampshire
  3. If the physician is not licensed to practice medicine in Vermont, the board will contact the appropriate state he is licensed in to make certain he is in good standing

• For those that do not already have a doctor, you must find one on your own, as the state of Vermont cannot recommend physicians for the purpose of prescribing marijuana.

• In order to become a "registered patient" with the Vermont Marijuana Registry, you must first be in accordance with the above eligibility requirements regarding a debilitating illness. You must also meet the following criteria:

• 1. Complete the Registered Patient Application Form
  2. Have your physician complete the Department of Public Safety's medical verification form
  3. Attach the medical verification form to your application
  4. Include a $50 application fee
  5. Fee must be paid by check or money order and made out to Vermont Department of Public Safety
  6. Wait no more than 30 days to be notified in writing regarding approval

• If you are approved, a Marijuana Registry Identification Card will be mailed to you along with written approval. If you are denied, you will be notified in writing and have seven days to appeal to the review board.http://www.dps.state.vt.us/cjs/marijuana_caregiver.pdf

While medical marijuana is legal in the state of Vermont, there are specific restrictions placed on patients. For example, no more than 2 ounces of marijuana may be possessed at any one time, and only 2 mature plants and 7 immature plants may be cultivated at once. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=2012#cond

• Because marijuana is an illegal drug, even those states allowing for the medicinal use must follow strict guidelines regarding eligibility and distribution. If you are a Vermont resident and believe you are eligible, you must have your physician fill out a medical verification application and register with the Department of Public Safety's Marijuana Registry.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Please contact your doctor and attorney before using the information presented here.