Budget passed! VA cannabis sales are imminent.

June 30, 2027

At long last, cannabis sales are here! The budget has been passed by both chambers without changes to the cannabis regulatory provisions and a signature from Governor Abigail Spanberger is not needed. What this all means is, it's actually here.

Cannabis legalization is happening in Virginia.

Below are some important details and differences with this law compared with the previous bill that Spanberger vetoed. 

• Retail sales would begin on July 1, 2027. 

• Cannabis sales and excise taxes will increase from 6% to 8% two years after the program roll out. 

• Public consumption of cannabis could result in a $250 civil penalty fine 

• There would be 350 retail licenses issued across Virginia, but not all of these would be issued at once, and geography will play a factor to ensure even distribution of retail locations. 

• No municipal opt outs for cannabis operations

• Delivery will be allowed 

• A labor peace agreement will be required along with other plans such as a security plan. 

What to do

Application windows are imminent. We could have a window as soon as Septemeber 1. Which means a rapid turnaround time for applications, specifically on the micro and retail side of things. There will be a Cannabis Control Authority meeting on July 22, but in the meantime, now is the ideal time to get started on strategizing for licensure and laying the groundwork for what all you need to do to prepare and secure that all important first mover advantage in what is looking like will be one of the largest untapped cannabis markets in the country.