Virginia Leaders Reach Agreement on Adult-use Cannabis Market, Sales Could Begin in 2027
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia leaders announced Tuesday that they have reached an agreement to establish a regulated adult-use cannabis market, paving the way for recreational marijuana sales to begin July 1, 2027.
Governor Abigail Spanberger joined Senator Lashrecse Aird and Delegate Paul Krizek to announce the legislation, which they say prioritizes public safety, safeguards for consumers, protections for minors, and flexibility for entrepreneurs while cracking down on illicit cannabis sales.
Under the proposal, the Cannabis Control Authority would begin accepting applications for retail licenses on Feb. 1, 2027, with a maximum of 350 licenses available statewide. The legislation would also increase the legal possession limit from one ounce to two ounces.
State leaders say the additional time before sales begin will allow the CCA sufficient time to develop regulations, establish testing and safety standards, and build an oversight framework to ensure the marketplace launches safely and responsibly.
The proposal includes several child safety protections, including requirements for child-safe packaging and bans on cartoon advertisements and products sold in the shape of animals, fruit, vehicles, or humans.
In a release, Gov. Spanberger said, “We will do it in a way that protects consumers, targets the illicit market with clear enforcement and regulatory authority, and creates a more competitive market for small businesses and farmers.”
The proposal would require that retail stores be no less than 1,000 feel from schools, hospitals, playgrounds, and drug treatment facilities. The CCA would also be authorized to escalate penalties for failing to check IDs, and to revoke the licenses of establishments that have sold to underage customers repeatedly.
Senator Lashrecse Aird said, “This compromise gives us a smarter and safer path forward — one that protects consumers, keeps products tested and accurately labeled, and creates a legal marketplace that is affordable and accessible enough to actually compete. Too many have suffered real harms for us to get here, and this agreement reflects responsible regulation that protects young people, gives Virginians a safe legal option and avoids criminalizing adult use.”
The CCA would also be authorized to create a public licensee registry along with policies regarding the audit of ownership and financial relationships across licensees. A tip-line for consumers to report illicit practices would also be established.
The legislation would establish a 6% state tax rate on cannabis products, increasing to 8% in 2029. Local governments would be allowed to impose an additional tax of up to 3.5%.
