Virginia's Marijuana Retail Sales Set for July 2027 Launch

WHO:

WTVR.com - Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Sen. Lashrecse Aird, Del. Paul Krizek

Marijuana Moment - Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D), Del. Paul Krizek (D)

WHAT:

WTVR.com - Virginia’s legal retail cannabis market will open on July 1, 2027.

WTVR.com - The state cannabis tax will start at 6% and rise to 8% after July 1, 2029, with localities able to add a tax of 1% to 3.5%.

WTVR.com - A cap of 350 retail licenses will be implemented statewide, phased in based on demand and geographic balance.

WTVR.com - Public consumption of marijuana will incur a $250 civil fine, effective July 2027.

WTVR.com - 75% of first-year license fee revenue will go to the Cannabis Equity Business Loan Fund.

Marijuana Moment - Adults will be able to purchase up to 2 ounces of marijuana in a single transaction.

Marijuana Moment - The public consumption penalty will increase from $25 to $250, effective July 1, 2027.

WHERE:

WTVR.com - Commonwealth of Virginia

WHEN:

WTVR.com - Retail cannabis sales will begin on July 1, 2027.

WTVR.com - Up to 100 microbusiness licenses may be issued by May 1, 2027.

Marijuana Moment - Legal sales are set to begin on July 1, 2027.

WHY:

WTVR.com - The compromise aims to protect consumers, curb the illicit market, foster competition for small businesses, and ensure safeguards against sales to minors.

Marijuana Moment - The goal is to create a responsible cannabis market that provides economic opportunities to communities historically affected by cannabis enforcement.

HOW:

WTVR.com - The cannabis provisions are included in the state’s spending plan, which must pass by June 30 to avoid a government shutdown.

Marijuana Moment - The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority will oversee licensing and regulation of the new industry.

(UPDATED June 17, 2026 04:26 UTC)

Virginia's legal retail cannabis market is set to open on July 1, 2027, allowing adults to purchase up to two ounces of marijuana in a single transaction. The state will implement a cannabis tax starting at 6%, which will rise to 8% after July 1, 2029, with localities able to add an additional tax of up to 3.5%. Additionally, a cap of 350 retail licenses will be phased in based on demand, and public consumption will incur a civil fine of $250 starting in July 2027.