Does HIV/AIDS qualify for a medical card in Vermont?
Yes. The Vermont Medical Cannabis Program lists Positive status for HIV as a qualifying condition. A Vermont-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About HIV/AIDS
HIV infection and AIDS, including wasting, nausea and neuropathy.
Limited evidence. Limited evidence shows cannabinoids increase appetite and reduce weight loss in HIV/AIDS.
Symptoms Vermont patients most often hope to ease:
- Poor appetite and unwanted weight loss
- Nausea, including from medicines
- Burning or tingling nerve pain in the feet and hands
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety and low mood
Before you start. Some antiretroviral regimens, especially those boosted with ritonavir or cobicistat, can raise THC levels and make effects stronger. CBD can affect liver enzymes that process some HIV medicines, so tell your HIV doctor before starting.
Read more: medical marijuana for HIV/AIDS.
How to get certified in Vermont
- Confirm you are a Vermont resident with one of the listed qualifying conditions.
- See a health care professional who has treated you for at least three months (or qualifies for an exception) and has done a physical exam.
- Have the professional complete and submit the Healthcare Professional Verification Form, signed within the last six months.
- Create an account in the CCB online portal on a desktop or laptop (it does not work on phones or tablets).
- Upload a recent color photo and your Vermont ID details, then pay the $50 fee by credit or debit card.
- Wait for the CCB to review the application, usually within 30 days; incomplete applications get 30 days to be fixed.
Vermont requires your first certification visit in person. Renewals can usually be done online.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: $50 per application (initial or renewal)
- Card lasts: 3 years
- Processing: Within 30 days of receiving a complete application
- Patient limit: Up to 2 oz of cannabis, plus cannabis grown and stored at home
- Home grow: Up to 6 mature and 12 immature plants for registered patients/caregivers
- Recreational sales: Legal for adults 21+
- First visit online: No — in person first
See the full Vermont cost breakdown and Vermont program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in Vermont
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Crohn's & IBD
- Epilepsy & seizures
- Glaucoma
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea & appetite loss
- PTSD
- Parkinson's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
HIV/AIDS in nearby states
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for HIV/AIDS?
Helpful records include: records confirming your HIV diagnosis from your HIV care provider; your current antiretroviral regimen and other medicines; notes on symptoms such as weight loss, appetite changes, nerve pain or nausea. Many patients are still evaluated on their history alone, and your Vermont provider will tell you if more is needed.
How long does certification take in Vermont?
The provider visit takes about 15 minutes. Within 30 days of receiving a complete application.
Can I renew online in Vermont?
In most cases, yes. Renew through the CCB portal every three years with a $50 fee and a new Healthcare Professional Verification Form dated within six months of submission.
Sources
- Medical Cannabis Program - Vermont Cannabis Control Board
- Medical Program FAQs - Vermont Cannabis Control Board
- Medical Applications and Forms - Vermont Cannabis Control Board
- CCB Rule 3: Medical Cannabis (adopted text, 2025)
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.