Medical Cannabis
Established in 2020
Recreational Use
For adults 21+ since July 1, 2021
Home Growing
Up to 4 plants per household
Where to Buy
Medical dispensaries only (recreational sales pending)
Cannabis Laws in Virginia
When Was Cannabis Legalized in Virginia?
Medical cannabis was legalized in Virginia in 2020 with the passage of Senate Bill 1015 and House Bill 1460. Recreational cannabis was legalized on July 1, 2021, through House Bill 2312 and Senate Bill 1406, making Virginia the first Southern state to legalize recreational cannabis.
Who Can Use Medical Marijuana in Virginia?
Virginia residents with a valid medical marijuana card can legally purchase and use medical cannabis. Qualifying conditions include:
- Chronic pain
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn's disease
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson's disease
- Huntington's disease
- Any diagnosed condition or disease determined by a physician to benefit from such use
Recreational Use in Virginia
As of July 1, 2021, adults 21 and older in Virginia can legally:
- Possess up to one ounce (28.3 grams) of cannabis
- Use cannabis in private residences
- Grow up to four plants per household (not per person)
- Share (not sell) up to one ounce with other adults
However, retail sales of recreational cannabis are not yet legal. The original legislation planned for retail sales to begin in 2024, but this timeline has been subject to ongoing legislative debate.
Possession Limits
- Medical patients: Up to 4 ounces of botanical cannabis (or equivalent) for a 30-day supply
- Recreational users: Up to 1 ounce (28.3 grams)
- Possession between 1 ounce and 1 pound: Civil violation with a $25 fine
- Possession of more than 1 pound: Felony offense
Growing Laws
Virginia residents aged 21 and older can legally grow up to four marijuana plants per household for personal use. Important requirements include:
- Plants must be labeled with the grower's name and driver's license/ID number
- Plants must not be visible from a public way
- Reasonable precautions must be taken to prevent access by minors
- Home cultivation is limited to the primary residence only
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia
Check if you qualify
Virginia allows doctors to recommend medical cannabis for any condition they believe could benefit from cannabis treatment. Common qualifying conditions include chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and more.
Get a practitioner's certification
You must obtain a written certification from a registered practitioner (MD, DO, PA, or NP) who is registered with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. Many providers offer telehealth visits for this purpose.
Register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy
Once you have your practitioner certification, you must register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. You'll need to complete an application and pay a registration fee (typically $50).
Receive your MMJ card and visit a dispensary
After your application is approved, you'll receive your medical cannabis card. This card allows you to purchase medical cannabis products from any of Virginia's licensed medical dispensaries.
Where to Buy Cannabis in Virginia 🏬
Currently, only medical cannabis dispensaries are operational in Virginia. Recreational sales are not yet available, though legislation to establish a recreational market is under development.
Licensed Medical Dispensaries in Virginia:
Find Out Which CBD Products Are Right For YouCBD & Hemp Laws in Virginia
Is CBD legal in Virginia? ✅ Yes
CBD derived from hemp (containing less than 0.3% THC) is legal in Virginia. The state follows the 2018 Federal Farm Bill guidelines regarding hemp and hemp-derived products.
Can you buy CBD without a prescription? ✅ Yes
Hemp-derived CBD products are available without a prescription and can be purchased at various retailers, including:
- Health food stores
- Pharmacies
- CBD specialty shops
- Online retailers
CBD Regulations in Virginia
Virginia has implemented regulations to ensure consumer safety with CBD products:
- Products must contain less than 0.3% THC
- Products should have proper labeling including ingredients and CBD content
- Food and beverage CBD products are permitted under state law
💡 Read Also: CBD vs. THC – What's the Difference?
Take Our CBD QuizCannabis & Driving Laws in Virginia 🚗
Can You Drive While High? ❌ Illegal
It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis in Virginia. The state has strict laws prohibiting driving while impaired by any substance, including cannabis.
THC Limits for Driving
Virginia does not have a specific THC blood concentration limit for driving (unlike alcohol). Instead, law enforcement officers rely on:
- Field sobriety tests
- Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluations
- Blood tests (which may be required with a warrant)
DUI Penalties in Virginia
First Offense:
- Class 1 misdemeanor
- Minimum $250 fine
- License revocation for 1 year
- Possible jail time up to 12 months
Second Offense:
- Increased fines (minimum $500)
- License revocation for 3 years
- Mandatory minimum jail time
- Possible installation of ignition interlock device
Important: Having a medical marijuana card is not a defense for driving under the influence.
| Legal ✅ | Illegal ❌ |
|---|---|
| Possessing up to 1 oz (21+) | Possessing more than 1 pound (felony) |
| Growing up to 4 plants per household | Growing more than 4 plants |
| Using cannabis in private residences | Using cannabis in public places |
| Sharing up to 1 oz with adults 21+ | Selling without a license |
| Purchasing from medical dispensaries (with card) | Driving under the influence |
| Possessing paraphernalia | Crossing state lines with cannabis |
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis in Virginia
You can travel with cannabis within Virginia as long as you stay under the legal possession limit (1 ounce). However, it is illegal to transport cannabis across state lines, even to states where cannabis is legal, as this violates federal law.
Yes, cannabis edibles are legally available in Virginia for adults 21+. Medical patients can purchase edibles from medical dispensaries, while recreational users can purchase from licensed retailers once those become operational. Currently, only medical dispensaries are operational.
Possession of up to 1 ounce of cannabis is legal for adults 21+. Possession between 1 ounce and 1 pound is a civil violation with a $25 fine. Possession of more than 1 pound is a felony with potential prison time.
Many dispensaries in Virginia offer discounts for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Discount programs vary by dispensary, so it's best to check with your local medical cannabis provider for specific offerings.
While recreational cannabis possession and home cultivation became legal on July 1, 2021, retail sales have been delayed. The original legislation planned for retail sales to begin in 2024, but this timeline has been subject to ongoing legislative debate. The exact start date for recreational sales remains uncertain.
Yes, you must be a Virginia resident with proof of residency to obtain a medical marijuana card in Virginia. Acceptable forms of identification include a Virginia driver's license or state ID card. Out-of-state patients cannot use their medical marijuana cards from other states to purchase cannabis in Virginia.
Yes, employers in Virginia can still drug test for marijuana and enforce workplace drug policies. The legalization of cannabis does not prevent employers from maintaining drug-free workplace policies or taking adverse employment actions based on positive drug tests.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis laws and regulations in Virginia are subject to change. Always verify current laws with official state resources before making decisions related to cannabis.
Last Updated: April 1, 2025