Virginia Medical Cannabis Coalition
A feed of news, events, laws, and grow tips. Share what's happening and discuss it with the coalition.
Hot Topics & Community Notices
Virginia and the nation — newest first
CCA Board of Directors Meeting
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on October 21, 2026. This meeting will cover ongoing regulatory updates and program announcements for the Commonwealth.
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
CCA Board of Directors Meeting
Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council Meeting
The Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council is scheduled to meet in November 2026. The council helps guide Virginia's retail marijuana market and public health strategies.
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council Meeting
Advocates Warn of Punitive Harm in 2027 Market
Advocates are raising concerns regarding Virginia's upcoming 2027 retail cannabis market framework. They warn that the current structure could subject youth to disproportionate punitive harm.
Outlaw Report
Advocates Warn of Punitive Harm in 2027 Market
VA Launches Medical Marijuana Patient Survey
Virginia regulators have launched a satisfaction survey for medical marijuana patients to gather feedback on the program. The questionnaire asks about product usage, purchasing habits, and how recreational legalization might impact their choices. Patients have until October 16, 2026, to complete the survey.
Marijuana Moment
VA Launches Medical Marijuana Patient Survey
CCA Seeks Medical Cannabis Patient Feedback
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority is seeking feedback from patients who use the state's medical cannabis program firsthand. This initiative aims to gather insights directly from participants to help improve the program and better serve the community.
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
CCA Seeks Medical Cannabis Patient Feedback
New Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opening in Staunton
A new medical cannabis dispensary is expected to open in early October 2026 in Staunton. This new location will provide Shenandoah Valley patients with easier access to regulated medical cannabis products.
News Leader
New Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opening in Staunton
New Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens in HSA 1
Medical cannabis patients in Virginia's Health Service Area 1 now have a new option for accessing regulated products. This opening expands access for registered patients in the region.
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
New Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens in HSA 1
Virginia Releases Draft Retail Cannabis Regulations
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority has released draft regulations for the upcoming retail cannabis market. The proposed timeline aims to finalize rules by December 2026, with initial licenses issued by May 2027. Notably, the current schedule does not include an official public comment period.
Vicente LLP
Virginia Releases Draft Retail Cannabis Regulations
First Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens in Winchester
The first medical cannabis dispensary in Virginia's Health Service Area 1 has officially opened its doors in Winchester. Operated by AYR Wellness, this location provides much-needed access to patients in the Shenandoah Valley. Additional locations in Staunton and Fredericksburg are planned for later in the year.
WMRA
First Medical Cannabis Dispensary Opens in Winchester
Stricter THC Rules Take Effect for VA Hemp Businesses
As of August 15, 2026, hemp businesses in Virginia must adhere to stricter rules governing the production and sale of hemp products. A federal judge declined to delay the rule, meaning non-compliant businesses now face fines of up to $10,000 per violation.
29News
Stricter THC Rules Take Effect for VA Hemp Businesses
CCA Assumes Hemp Regulation and Enforces 2mg THC Cap
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) officially took over retail hemp oversight from VDACS in August 2026. The regulatory shift coincides with the enforcement of a new 2 mg THC cap on hemp products that took effect on August 15. The CCA now possesses expanded enforcement powers, including the ability to issue cease-and-desist orders and civil penalties.
Vicente LLP
CCA Assumes Hemp Regulation and Enforces 2mg THC Cap
SB 270 Impacts Medical Cannabis Patients in Recovery Housing
Senate Bill 270, which took effect in July, requires certified recovery residences to prohibit all cannabis use. Advocates are calling for emergency regulatory reviews to protect registered medical cannabis patients residing in these facilities.
Marijuana Moment
SB 270 Impacts Medical Cannabis Patients in Recovery Housing
Public Health Advisory Council Guides Retail Marijuana Market
The Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council is actively providing health-focused recommendations to the CCA Board. Their guidance is intended to help shape a safe and responsible retail marijuana market in Virginia. These efforts prioritize public health as the state transitions toward commercial sales.
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
Public Health Advisory Council Guides Retail Marijuana Market
CCA Seeks Public Feedback on Future Cannabis Regulations
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority is asking for stakeholder input regarding future regulations for the state's legal cannabis market. A new survey has been launched to gather public feedback. This input will help shape the regulatory framework ahead of the retail market launch.
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
CCA Seeks Public Feedback on Future Cannabis Regulations
Virginia's New Marijuana and Hemp Laws Take Effect
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority has outlined new laws taking effect, including the transfer of hemp regulation to the CCA starting in August. The updates also highlight new enforcement authorities and prepare for retail sales in 2027.
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
Virginia's New Marijuana and Hemp Laws Take Effect
Gov. Spanberger Signs Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Compromise
Following an initial veto, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed a compromise budget bill on June 30, 2026, that establishes a framework for adult-use cannabis sales. The new law sets retail sales to begin on July 1, 2027, and increases personal possession limits to two ounces. The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority will oversee the new market.
Marijuana Policy Project
Gov. Spanberger Signs Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Compromise
VA Governor Announces Cannabis Plan to Pass in June
The Virginia governor announced a plan to pass new cannabis legislation this month. Meanwhile, the Virginia Senate president pro tempore addressed questions regarding potential benefits from the upcoming retail marijuana sales legalization.
Marijuana Moment
VA Governor Announces Cannabis Plan to Pass in June
Deal Reached on Virginia Cannabis Sales Legalization
Governor Abigail Spanberger and legislative leaders reached a deal to legalize recreational marijuana sales through the state budget in June 2026. Despite the agreement, some state senators criticized the addition of new marijuana penalties proposed by the Governor.
Marijuana Moment
Deal Reached on Virginia Cannabis Sales Legalization
Virginia Seals Retail Cannabis Deal & Widens Access
In June 2026, Virginia legislators moved to widen medical cannabis access as new research backs its therapeutic potential. The state also sealed a retail cannabis deal, marking a significant step forward for the industry.
Business of Cannabis
Virginia Seals Retail Cannabis Deal & Widens Access
Governor Faces Deadline on Adult-Use Cannabis Bill
The Virginia Governor faces a May 22, 2026 deadline to act on the adult-use cannabis bill. This legislation could significantly impact the state's medical and recreational cannabis landscape.
Foley Hoag
Governor Faces Deadline on Adult-Use Cannabis Bill
Governor Vetoes Adult-Use Cannabis Retail Launch Bill
Governor Abigail Spanberger formally rejected a bill that would have launched adult-use cannabis sales in Virginia. The governor cited the need for a regulatory framework with stronger oversight and enforcement authority before opening the retail market.
MJBizDaily
Governor Vetoes Adult-Use Cannabis Retail Launch Bill
Gov. Spanberger Vetoes Initial Cannabis Retail Bill
In May 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed legislation intended to create Virginia's adult-use cannabis retail market. The veto temporarily stalled the launch of legal sales before a later budget compromise was reached.
Virginia Mercury
Gov. Spanberger Vetoes Initial Cannabis Retail Bill
Governor Approves Expungement Bill SB230
On May 14, 2026, the Governor approved Senate Bill 230, which permits the expungement of certain police and court records. The new law will officially take effect on July 1, 2026, offering relief for reduced or amended charges.
Virginia NORML
Governor Approves Expungement Bill SB230
Stalemate Over Virginia Adult-Use Cannabis Bill
The Virginia Governor faced a critical May 22, 2026 deadline to act on the adult-use cannabis bill. Lawmakers and the administration found themselves at a stalemate regarding the legislation's final regulatory details.
Foley Hoag
Stalemate Over Virginia Adult-Use Cannabis Bill
Lawmakers Reject Governor's Marijuana Amendments
Virginia lawmakers rejected Governor Abigail Spanberger's proposed amendments to a marijuana sales bill. The governor's changes would have repealed decriminalization provisions and delayed retail sales to July 2027. Lawmakers also rejected amendments to a bill providing sentencing relief for marijuana-related offenses.
NORML
Lawmakers Reject Governor's Marijuana Amendments
General Assembly Enacts HB 30 for Retail Cannabis
On June 29, 2026, the Virginia General Assembly officially enacted HB 30, the biennial budget bill. This landmark legislation contains a complete legal and regulatory framework to launch the state's retail cannabis market.
Vicente LLP
General Assembly Enacts HB 30 for Retail Cannabis
VA House Passes Bill for Medical Cannabis in Hospitals
The Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill allowing patients to use medical marijuana in hospitals. The legislation protects health professionals who assist terminally ill patients with cannabis treatments. It also creates a working group to establish implementation guidelines for medical care facilities.
Marijuana Moment
VA House Passes Bill for Medical Cannabis in Hospitals