State Laws/Virginia
VAFully Legal Updated 2026-06

Cannabis Laws in Virginia

Virginia legalized recreational cannabis in 2021 (HB 2312), with personal possession becoming legal July 1, 2021 and retail sales beginning January 1, 2024. Virginia has a large and growing market with strong social equity provisions.

Recreational Possession

1 oz on person

Medical Program

Active

Home Cultivation

4 plants per household

Employment Protection

Moderate

Possession Limits

Medical Patients

4 oz

per 30 days

Recreational (21+)

1 oz

on person

Up to 1 lb at home

Home Cultivation

Home Cultivation Permitted

Plant limit: 4 plants per household

Must be 21+, plants must be in a private space not visible to the public

Medical Cannabis Program

Card Cost

$50/year

Renewal

Annual

Processing Time

30 days

Dispensaries

50+

Qualifying Conditions

Any condition a practitioner determines benefits from cannabis — Virginia uses a practitioner-based standard
✗ Does not accept out-of-state medical cards

Recreational Program

Legalized

2021

Sales Started

2024

Age Requirement

21+

Purchase Limit

1 oz per transaction

Delivery

Allowed

Public Consumption

Prohibited.

Employment Protections

Moderate Protection

Some off-duty use protections.

Employers cannot discriminate against employees for off-duty cannabis use. Safety-sensitive positions and federal contractors are exempt.

Driving Laws

DUI laws apply. No per se THC limit — impairment standard.

Recent Legislative Changes

2021: Personal possession legal July 1

2024: Retail sales launched January 1

2025: Social equity licensing expanded

Official State Resource

Always verify current laws with the official state cannabis authority.

Visit official site