Virginia Releases Draft Rules for Recreational Marijuana Stores Ahead of 2027 Sales Launch
10/16/2026
Virginia is taking the next step toward opening its first regulated recreational marijuana market. The Cannabis Control Authority presented an 82-page draft rules package to its board in early September, outlining how stores will operate, what adults can buy, and who can sell when sales start next July. The proposal follows a June compromise between Governor Abigail Spanberger, Senator Lashrecse Aird, and Delegate Paul Krizek that settled the launch date and basic structure after earlier bills stalled.
Under the draft, the state would limit standalone recreational marijuana stores to 350 statewide. Regulators can also issue up to 100 microbusiness licenses in the first round. Those smaller operations can cultivate, process, and sell under one license, with cultivation capped at around 5,000 square feet indoors or 10,000 square feet outdoors, and can operate at up to two nearby locations. Existing medical cannabis processors can seek dual-use status to serve both patients and adult customers by paying a one-time $10 million conversion fee.
Customers would be limited to two ounces of flower per transaction, or the equivalent of eight grams of concentrate or 800 milligrams of THC in edibles. Edibles themselves would be restricted to 10 milligrams of THC per serving and 100 milligrams per package. Delivery is allowed, either by stores or licensed operators, but recreational retailers cannot use drive-through windows, curbside pickup, or vending machines. Stores must sit at least 1,000 feet from schools, hospitals, colleges, and child day programs. Local governments can set hours of operation and apply zoning rules, though they cannot ban stores outright.
A new retail store would face a $4,000 application fee, $20,000 for initial authorization, and $15,000 in annual renewals. Microbusinesses would pay $1,000 to apply, $2,500 to start, and $6,000 a year. If qualified applicants exceed available licenses, the authority would use a lottery. Impact applicants, those majority-owned by people from communities disproportionately affected by past enforcement or from economically disadvantaged areas, could request reduced or waived fees and other preferences.
Applications are set to open February 1, 2027, with certain licenses issued by May 1 and sales beginning July 1. The Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council is expected to review the draft this fall, with final rules targeted for December. Acting Head Jamie Patten and the board have noted that some new growers worry the timeline favors medical operators who already have facilities and supply chains in place.
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Under the draft, the state would limit standalone recreational marijuana stores to 350 statewide. Regulators can also issue up to 100 microbusiness licenses in the first round. Those smaller operations can cultivate, process, and sell under one license, with cultivation capped at around 5,000 square feet indoors or 10,000 square feet outdoors, and can operate at up to two nearby locations. Existing medical cannabis processors can seek dual-use status to serve both patients and adult customers by paying a one-time $10 million conversion fee.
Customers would be limited to two ounces of flower per transaction, or the equivalent of eight grams of concentrate or 800 milligrams of THC in edibles. Edibles themselves would be restricted to 10 milligrams of THC per serving and 100 milligrams per package. Delivery is allowed, either by stores or licensed operators, but recreational retailers cannot use drive-through windows, curbside pickup, or vending machines. Stores must sit at least 1,000 feet from schools, hospitals, colleges, and child day programs. Local governments can set hours of operation and apply zoning rules, though they cannot ban stores outright.
A new retail store would face a $4,000 application fee, $20,000 for initial authorization, and $15,000 in annual renewals. Microbusinesses would pay $1,000 to apply, $2,500 to start, and $6,000 a year. If qualified applicants exceed available licenses, the authority would use a lottery. Impact applicants, those majority-owned by people from communities disproportionately affected by past enforcement or from economically disadvantaged areas, could request reduced or waived fees and other preferences.
Applications are set to open February 1, 2027, with certain licenses issued by May 1 and sales beginning July 1. The Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council is expected to review the draft this fall, with final rules targeted for December. Acting Head Jamie Patten and the board have noted that some new growers worry the timeline favors medical operators who already have facilities and supply chains in place.
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