The state of Vermont makes gifting marijuana illegal. The Attorney General of Vermont, T.J. Donovan, announced his ruling Monday on Vermont's government website.
Vermont Makes Gifting Marijuana Illegal
The new ruling is in response to companies offering 'free' marijuana in exchange for a steep delivery fee. Since Act 86 went into effect, many businesses are trying to commercialize Vermont's new recreational cannabis law.
Beyond charging for the delivery of the 'free' marijuana, many businesses also began overcharging for what are usually inexpensive items such as magnets and jewelry, offering in addition a 'gift' of cannabis. Very similar gifting tactics have surfaced in Washington DC and Boston. Donovan caught wind of the gifting loophole and has put his foot down.
>> Vermont's Recreational Cannabis Laws
Vermont's Attorney General explained the details of his ruling in the official press release by saying:
"Act 86 does not legalize the sale of marijuana. Any transfer of marijuana for money, barter, or other legal consideration remains illegal under Vermont law. This includes a commercial transaction (i.e., an exchange of goods or services for money) with a purported 'gift' of marijuana. Examples include: selling an item or service, like a bracelet or t-shirt with the 'gift' of marijuana. Charging someone for the purported 'delivery' of a marijuana 'gift' would also be considered a sale."
Donovan also explained that gifts of marijuana may only be given to adults 21 and older.
Act 86
The state of Vermont became the first state to ever legalize recreational cannabis by an act of legislature. The bill passed in January of this year and was officially signed on January 22nd. However, legal recreational marijuana did not go into effect until July 1st of this year.
The other US states that have legalized the recreational use of cannabis have done so through voter initiative. Many other states across the US are currently mulling over legalizing recreational cannabis.
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