Montpelier — Businesses in the forward-thinking city of Burlington have been exploiting a loophole in the state’s recreational marijuana law by “gifting” pot with by charging just a delivery fee, but the state’s attorney general said on Monday that practice is still illegal.

A law that took effect July 1 allows adults to have up to an ounce of marijuana, but sales are not legal.

The advisory released by T.J. Donovan’s office said the prohibition on sales extends to any instance where a business gifts marijuana with the purchase of another item or service.

The clarification came after groups opposed to the sale of marijuana highlighted the businesses using the law’s loophole.

Attorney Tim Fair represents Rolling Flower, a company that gifts marijuana. Fair said he is now advising clients to wait a few months to see if the Legislature passes any new laws.

Donovan said the decision whether to prosecute those gifting marijuana ultimately lies with the State’s Attorneys, but in his opinion it is more important to help people understand the parameters of the new law.

“In giving people the opportunity to comply with the law it’s important to raise awareness and educate people about what the law is,” said Donovan.