Virginia’s Store Openings
Is Virginia catching up with the rest of the legal cannabis world? In 2021, Virginia allowed personal marijuana possession but prohibited sales. Adults 21 and older could own up to one ounce, but neither individuals nor retailers could sell it. The laws have changed. Starting in 2027, licensed retailers will be able to sell cannabis. Additionally, possession will increase to two ounces. This aligns with medical marijuana laws in many states.
Home cultivation remains legal. A person 21 and older may grow up to four marijuana plants at the person’s house, with no more than four plants per household. Home growers have to take reasonable precautions to prevent access by people under 21. The public isn’t allowed to see them. If you want to grow your own get your seeds from a reputable wholesaler.
Virginia’s Laws
Effective mid August 2026, Virginia’s laws eliminated its previous 25:1 CBD to THC exception. A product containing more than two milligrams of total THC per package can no longer be produced or sold as a hemp product in Virginia under that exception. Regulation of these products is also moving from VDACS to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
In practical terms, Virginia is making it much harder for convenience stores, smoke shops and other non-cannabis retailers to sell intoxicating hemp-derived products as a substitute for regulated marijuana
New Sentences and Penalties
Virginia added new sentences and penalties. Virginia substantially increased enforcement against illegal cannabis sellers. The law created an official decal that legitimate cannabis businesses must display. Consumers can then verify that the seller is licensed. The enforcement law goes further. Effective November 2026, people who sell certain products intended for oral consumption or inhalation containing more than 0.3% total THC or more than two milligrams total THC per package can trigger remedies under Virginia’s Consumer Protection Act and Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act.
Old Convictions, New Hearings
Virginia created a mechanism to revisit old convictions with new hearings and a possible new marijuana sentences. However, people convicted of felony marijuana offenses committed before July 2021 who remained incarcerated or under probation or community supervision in July 2026 are entitled to a court hearing considering modification of their sentences. Courts are directed to schedule qualifying hearings by January 1, 2027. The legislation sunsets July 1, 2029.
Additionally, the medical marijuana program changed.
Effective July 2026, revised labeling rules present THC and CBD information differently.
Moreover, it expands lawful delivery by pharmaceutical processors and cannabis dispensing facilities to qualified patients, agents, parents, or guardians.
They can visit this website for more information.
Furthermore, Virginia is one of the states that has updated their medical marijuana laws.
