Alcohol
What is the legal minimum age to consume alcohol in Vermont?
21
At what minimum age can a person legally possess cannabis (under Vermont law) without criminal penalty (within limits)?
21
What happens on a first offense if someone under 21 violates alcohol purchase/possession law?
They are referred to a Court Diversion Program (Youth Substance Awareness).
A 17-year-old borrows a friend’s ID, buys beer at a store, and drinks it with friends in a basement.
Selling/furnishing to a minor (7 V.S.A. § 658) and the minor misrepresenting their age / under-21 consumption (7 V.S.A. § 656).
A 21-year-old adult carries exactly 1 ounce of cannabis in their jacket pocket.
No, this is within the legal possession limit for someone 21 or older.
Is it legal to sell or furnish alcohol to someone under 21 in Vermont?
No, it is illegal.
What is the maximum amount of cannabis (by weight) that a person 21+ can legally possess under Vermont law? (ounces)
1 ounce or less of cannabis, or 5 grams or less of hashish.
What is the civil penalty for a first offense of under-21 alcohol law violation (misrepresentation / possession / consumption)?
$300 fine and 30-day suspension of their driver license/privilege to drive.
A 23-year-old grows 5 mature cannabis plants inside their home.
Cultivating more than legal limit (4230e – over 2 mature / 4 immature).
A 22-year-old smokes cannabis inside their own backyard (private property).
No, assuming it's not a public place; consumption in private is not criminal under the 1-ounce/cultivation limits.
What are the possible legal consequences (penalty) for someone who knowingly sells or furnishes alcohol to a minor?
Fines between $500 and $2,000 or up to 2 years in jail, or both.
How many cannabis plants can an adult (21+) grow legally in Vermont?
Up to 2 mature plants and 4 immature plants per “dwelling unit.”
What is the civil penalty for someone caught smoking cannabis in public in Vermont?
Up to $100 for a 1st offense, $200 for 2nd, $500 for 3rd+ offenses.
A 20-year-old is caught with 0.75 ounces of cannabis, and this is their first offense.
Under-21 possession – civil violation (18 V.S.A. § 4230b).
A 20-year-old is driving and has a blood-alcohol level of 0.025.
Yes, this is illegal — under-21 DUI limit is 0.02 BAC.
According to Vermont law, what does “knowingly enable the consumption of alcoholic beverages by a person under 21” mean?
Describe what it means or provide an example.
It means creating a direct & immediate opportunity for the minor to drink.
Example: a 21 year old sibling giving alcohol to a younger sibling
Can a person legally smoke cannabis in a public place in Vermont?
No — public consumption is prohibited.
Does Vermont allow an open cannabis container in a vehicle?
No — open containers of cannabis in a vehicle are prohibited under Vermont law.
A licensed store sells cannabis to a 19-year-old.
Dispensing cannabis to someone under 21 is illegal (“crimes are created … dispensing marijuana to a person under 21”).
A 19-year-old buys a six-pack of beer, drinks one, and gives the rest to their friends (also under 21).
Yes — under-21 consumption and possession is prohibited; also enabling other minors.
What is the blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for DUI if you're under 21 in Vermont (zero-tolerance)?
0.02 BAC for under-21 drivers.
What happens if someone is under 21 and is caught possessing 1 ounce or less of cannabis in Vermont?
That’s a civil violation, not criminal; they go to a Court Diversion Program (Youth Substance Abuse Safety).
What does §4230a say about law enforcement’s authority if they suspect someone possesses more than the legal cannabis limit?
An officer can detain the person if they have “reasonable grounds” to believe there’s a violation.
Someone 22 years old smokes cannabis in a public park.
Consumption in a public place (18 V.S.A. § 4230a).
A 23-year-old plants four immature cannabis plants at home.
No, that's within the legal cultivation limit (up to 4 immature allowed).