According to Gwynn Zakov, a municipal policy advocate at the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, Vermont towns cannot ban marijuana altogether or block people from cultivating it at home legally.
Vermont was the first state to legalize marijuana under this kind of centralized system, otherwise known as Dillon’s Rule.
Zakov has said that Vermont towns have no authority that is not explicitly granted by the Legislature.
At least two municipalities have already passed ordinances blocking marijuana sales and distribution.
Newport’s City Council voted last month however to prohibit “the sale or distribution of marijuana.” Marijuana sales would come with a $500 civil penalty. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect in August.