Virginia panel to unveil plan for legal cannabis retail market

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A state-appointed panel in Virginia is preparing to unveil a long-awaited roadmap for a legal, regulated adult-use cannabis market, following months of hearings and testimony.

What we know:

Lawmakers created a Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales earlier this year to untangle how Virginia should handle adult-use sales after years of stalled bills and vetoes.

The commission is set to present its final proposal at its next meeting, following months of testimony and hearings. The goal is to give the General Assembly a concrete plan it can take up in the 2026 legislative session.

If lawmakers approve a bill built from that proposal and send it to the governor early next year, retail sales could begin as soon as 2026, the Virginia Mercury notes.

What’s legal right now

According to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority and Virginia NORML:

• Adults 21 and older may possess up to one ounce of cannabis.
• Adults may grow up to four plants per household for personal use.
• Medical cannabis is available through licensed processors.

But there is no licensed adult-use retail system. Virginians can legally possess and grow marijuana, but they cannot legally buy it for recreational use from a store.

What Spanberger’s election means

Outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin previously vetoed efforts to launch retail sales, keeping the market in limbo even after possession was legalized.

The rollout of the panel’s blueprint comes as Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger prepares to take office. Spanberger has voiced support for creating a legal retail market, a shift that advocates say could finally break years of legislative stalemate. Her administration is expected to work with lawmakers on a framework that aligns with the new recommendations.

In a statement to FOX 5 on Tuesday, a Spanberger spokesperson said that, "As Virginia considers a potential legalized retail market for cannabis, Governor-elect Spanberger believes the Commonwealth needs a clear strategy to set up a market that prioritizes public safety and grows Virginia’s economy. Additionally, she believes that revenue from commercial cannabis products must be reinvested for purposes like strengthening our public schools. She looks forward to working with the General Assembly to find a path forward."

What they're saying:

Trent Woloveck of Beyond Hello, which has several medical cannabis dispensaries in Northern Virginia says that medical cannabis providers "are extremely excited to bring safe, tested, regulated products for adults over the age of 21 across Virginia, while continuing to serve patients of Virginia so we can continue to stomp out the illicit market, provide jobs and tax revenue for the Commonwealth."

Virginia's Cannabis Control Authority issued the following statement to FOX 5:

"The Cannabis Control Authority is closely following potential legislation related to a future retail cannabis market, including the recommendations released by the Joint Commission this afternoon. While we do not take positions on bills and cannot speculate on what the General Assembly may or may not advance, we remain ready to support legislators with objective, factual information as needed.

"If the General Assembly chooses to establish a retail market, the CCA is prepared to implement whatever framework is enacted. Our work will continue to reflect our commitment to promoting public safety, advancing public health, and protecting communities through balanced, inclusive, and well-informed cannabis regulation, policy, and education."

What happens next?

The commission’s blueprint is expected to be unveiled at its upcoming meeting. Lawmakers will then decide whether to turn that plan into legislation when they return to Richmond.

Until a bill passes and licenses are issued, Virginia stays where it is now:

Legal to possess. Legal to grow. Still illegal to buy.