The Shadow
RICHMOND, VA (VR) – Big changes to Virginia’s marijuana and hemp laws.
Following action by the 2026 General Assembly and Governor Abigail Spanberger, the Commonwealth will launch a retail marijuana market, transfer regulation of hemp-derived products from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA), expand the CCA’s enforcement authority, and implement several other cannabis-related laws.
Here’s a look at the key dates and highlights:
Retail Marijuana Market
Virginia will launch regulated retail marijuana sales on July 1, 2027, as authorized by House Bill 30.
The CCA will develop the regulations and establish a licensing process for businesses interested in participating in the retail marijuana market.
Information about licensing, including application timelines, eligibility requirements, and other implementation milestones will be posted on the CCA’s website as it becomes available.
Hemp Regulation and Law Changes
House Bill 30 also moves the Office of Hemp Enforcement’s responsibilities for regulated hemp products from VDACS to the CCA. VDACS and the CCA anticipate this move will occur in August 2026. Current Hemp Product Retail Facility Registrations will remain valid until their expiration.
Information about applying for or renewing this registration will be posted on CCA’s website as it becomes available.
Registered retailers of hemp products and growers of industrial hemp will receive direct communication from VDACS with more details about how these legislative and administrative changes will affect them.
This legislation eliminates the “25:1 ratio” that allowed a hemp product to exceed two milligrams of total THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) if the product contained 25 parts CBD (cannabidiol) for every one-part THC. Beginning August 15, 2026, a product with more than two milligrams of total THC per package cannot be produced or sold as a hemp product in Virginia.
Expanded Enforcement Authority
Senate Bill 543 gives the CCA new authority to enforce Virginia’s cannabis laws.
To ensure safe and consistent regulation of the cannabis market, CCA can:
• Take enforcement action against unlicensed cannabis and hemp businesses; and
• Issue notices of violation, cease and desist orders, and civil penalties
New legislation also requires the CCA to create an official decal for licensed cannabis retailers to display in store.
The public will also be able to report suspected illegal activity to the CCA. Reports can be called to a tip line at 1-844-WEED-TIP (1-844-9333-847) or completed on the CCA’s webpage.
Additional Laws Passed This Session
Other cannabis-related bills also became law this year. Click the bill title below to learn more:
• House Bill 391: Medical Cannabis Operations
• House Bill 75: Medical Cannabis for Terminally Ill Patients
• Senate Bill 230: Expungement of Police and Court Records
• House Bill 26 / Senate Bill 62: Modification of Marijuana-Related Sentences
• House Bill 942: Parental Rights and Legally Authorized Substances
Stay Informed
The CCA will continue sharing updates as these laws are implemented.
To stay informed:
• Visit cca.virginia.gov for the latest news and information.
• Sign up for the CCA’s quarterly newsletter by entering your email address at the bottom of the homepage.
• Email info@cca.virginia.gov with questions.
• Follow the CCA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X for news, announcements, educational resources, and important dates.
