Delta-8 THC is illegal in Vermont. In 2021, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) ruled that Delta-8 THC—because it is produced through chemical conversion of CBD—is not permitted in the state’s hemp marketplace.
This prohibition continues into 2025 and applies to:
- Manufacturing Delta-8
- Selling Delta-8
- Distributing Delta-8
- Offering Delta-8 in hemp or cannabis products
Vermont only allows licensed cannabis dispensaries to sell THC products, and even they cannot offer Delta-8 created from hemp-derived conversions.
Below is a clear breakdown of what Vermont residents and retailers need to know.
Vermont’s Official Legal Status of Delta-8 THC
❌ Delta-8 is illegal to manufacture
Vermont prohibits any “synthetically derived” cannabinoids—including Delta-8—created from chemical conversion.
❌ Delta-8 cannot be sold
Hemp retailers, vape shops, and gas stations cannot legally sell Delta-8.
❌ Delta-8 cannabis products are not allowed in dispensaries
Licensed cannabis retailers may only sell products approved under Vermont’s adult-use and medical cannabis rules—Delta-8 is not approved.
✔ Possession is not explicitly criminalized
Vermont does not prosecute individuals for simple possession, but buying, selling, or producing it remains illegal.
Why Vermont Banned Delta-8 THC
Vermont regulators restricted Delta-8 because:
- It requires chemical processing not allowed under the state hemp program
- Products lacked standardized testing and safety oversight
- Hemp shops were selling intoxicating THC outside the licensed cannabis system
- Many Delta-8 items were mislabeled or contaminated
- Youth access increased through unregulated retail channels
The state concluded that Delta-8 is not a naturally occurring hemp extract and therefore cannot be produced or sold under the Vermont Hemp Program.
Where (If Anywhere) Can You Legally Buy Delta-8 in Vermont?
❌ Not allowed anywhere
Even cannabis dispensaries cannot carry Delta-8 THC because it does not meet Vermont’s production requirements.
✔ Legal THC alternative
Residents can purchase state-regulated Delta-9 cannabis products from licensed dispensaries.
Age Requirements (If Delta-8 Were Legal)
If legalization ever occurred, Vermont would likely adopt the same minimum age as cannabis:
- 21+
However, Delta-8 remains banned statewide in 2025.
Can You Order Delta-8 Online into Vermont?
❌ No
Online retailers are barred from shipping Delta-8 into Vermont. Shipments risk:
- Being refused
- Being returned
- Violating Vermont regulations
Most reputable companies block Vermont orders entirely.
What Hemp Products Are Still Allowed?
✔ Legal
- CBD
- CBG
- CBN
- Hemp flower
- Hemp topicals
- Farm Bill–compliant hemp products under 0.3% Delta-9 THC
❌ Illegal
Any hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoid, including:
- Delta-8
- Delta-10
- THC-O
- HHC
- THCP
Vermont bans all converted or synthesized cannabinoids in hemp products.
FAQs
Is Delta-8 THC legal in Vermont?
No. Delta-8 is illegal to manufacture, sell, or distribute.
Why is Delta-8 banned in Vermont?
It is chemically converted from CBD, which Vermont considers an unapproved synthetic process.
Can hemp stores sell Delta-8?
No. Retail sale is prohibited statewide.
Can licensed cannabis dispensaries sell Delta-8?
No. Delta-8 is not an approved cannabis product.
Can Delta-8 be shipped to Vermont?
No. Online retailers cannot legally deliver Delta-8 to Vermont.
Are CBD and non-intoxicating hemp extracts legal?
Yes. Vermont still allows naturally occurring, non-intoxicating hemp products.
Practical Guidance for Vermont Residents
If you live in Vermont:
- Purchase THC products only from licensed dispensaries
- Avoid any Delta-8 products sold online or in nearby states
- Check product labels and COAs for safety
- Stick to CBD or regulated cannabis if you want to remain fully compliant
Conclusion
Vermont enforces some of the nation’s strictest hemp regulations. Because Delta-8 THC is produced through chemical conversion, the state classifies it as an unauthorized synthetic cannabinoid and bans its production, sale, and distribution. While possession is not actively prosecuted, residents cannot legally buy Delta-8 from any retailer—local or online.
Bottom line:
Delta-8 THC is illegal in Vermont as of 2025. The only lawful THC products are those sold through Vermont’s tightly regulated cannabis system, not the hemp market.