It is legal for anyone in the commonwealth of Virginia to possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis, which became the law on July 1, 2021. In June of 2022, the State Senate amended possession laws, deciding that up to 3 ounces will face a $25 fine, possession of 4 – 15 ounces is a misdemeanor, and possession of over a pound of cannabis is a felony. This change is awaiting the Governor’s signature to be signed into law

People who are under the age of 21 and are in possession of less than an ounce, will face a $25 fine and will be required to attend a substance abuse education program.

It is still illegal to consume cannabis in public.

Retail sales of cannabis will only begin 2024, but in June of 2022, the state legalized the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoids. This means lab-created THC, along with cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC will be legal before THC from the plant. The change is currently awaiting a signature from the Governor to become law.

In the meantime, Virginia residents will be able to legally grow up to 4 plants in the privacy of their home. The law states that the Virginia Board of Pharmacy will be in charge of licensing “retail marijuana stores,” and that the commonwealth will allow up to a maximum of 400 such licenses. Local municipalities will have the right to hold a referendum on whether or not to allow dispensaries within the boundaries of their jurisdiction.

Learn more about cannabis laws in Virginia