Although marijuana was legalized in Virginia in November of last year, individuals cannot purchase recreational cannabis from dispensaries. While it is legal to possess small amounts of recreational marijuana, there are currently no legal means of buying it in the state. So let’s cut to the chase: when will recreational dispensaries open in Virginia? What are the current recreational laws in Virginia, and how can you gain access to cannabis without retail stores? Catch up on everything we know so far below. 

What is currently legal in Virginia? 

First things first: What are the laws in place for recreational weed in Virginia? In 2021, Virginia passed a bill allowing legal cannabis for adults 21 and over. Adults can now possess up to an ounce of cannabis and grow up to four plants in their homes. They’re also allowed to smoke their cannabis in the privacy of their own homes. 

However, no dispensaries are currently available, and cannabis cannot be bought or sold recreationally. Two adults over 21 may share an ounce of cannabis, but no exchange of money or valuables is permitted. 

Governor Youngkin has stated that the state is more focused on regulating dangerous delta-8 products that are being mislabeled and posing a risk to consumers. However, some residents are questioning why recreational marijuana was legalized if the sale of it is not also legal. 

Bills proposing the establishment of a recreational cannabis retail market in 2024 or 2025 have been filed, but progress on them has been slow. The sale of topical oils and gummies is legal only under specific conditions, such as packaging in a particular type of bag with warning labels. Both Democrats and Republicans have proposed bills for the 2023 session that would create a retail market for recreational cannabis. Still, it does not appear to be a priority for the Governor.

With that said, there’s nothing set in stone about when the recreational stores will open up, so people are limited to growing their own weed or getting a medical marijuana card to access medical dispensaries. 

Growing cannabis is no walk in the park and remains impractical and costly for most people. Even though it’s legal to grow four plants at home, not everyone has the resources to do so. Further, plants grown at home can’t be visible from the street and must be completely inaccessible to people under 21. Each plant must also have a tag with the grower’s name, driver’s license number, and a personal use message.

Until recreational dispensaries open in Virginia, the best option is to secure a medical marijuana card in Virginia. 

Will recreational dispensaries open soon? 

Currently, the future of recreational cannabis in Virginia is still a little hazy. Recreational dispensaries could open as soon as January 2024; however, political pushback may expand that timeline. 

The Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee recently advanced an amended version of the bill, which would permit medical cannabis providers to sell recreational marijuana to adult customers beginning January 1, 2024, as long as they pay a fee and enter into franchise agreements with historically economically disadvantaged communities. 

These communities would also be able to open storefronts in January 2024. Other applicants must wait until July 1, 2024, to enter the retail market. However, some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the approach, particularly with regard to establishing market dominance early on and disadvantaging other potential retailers. 

House Republicans have also raised questions about social equity provisions and have rejected similar efforts to regulate the market in the past. The bill sponsor, Senator Adam Ebbin, has removed previous requirements that gave those previously convicted of marijuana crimes first access to licenses to win bipartisan support. 

All of that is to say that there is still some amending to do before we get access to recreational cannabis in Virginia. The timeline isn’t clear; all we know is that it will get there eventually. 

In the meantime, get your medical marijuana card.

Despite recreational marijuana being legal in Virginia, there are currently no recreational dispensaries for consumers to purchase cannabis from, which makes the legalization somewhat moot. It is unclear when recreational dispensaries will open in Virginia, but it is expected to take several years.

That leaves adults with two options: grow your own cannabis, or get your medical marijuana card and get access to medical dispensaries. Getting your medical card in Virginia is exceptionally easy. All you need to do is have a qualifying condition. The medical card qualifications list is extensive, but if you’re unsure, get in touch with Natural Green Healing for further guidance. 

Our mission at Natural Green Healing is to help you on every step of your wellness journey through safety, education, and access to MMJ. Call us at (877) 225-8637 to get started, or book your appointment online. With telehealth, it’s easier than ever to get a medical card from the comfort of your own home. Any condition could qualify for a medical card in Virginia, and those interested can schedule an evaluation with our knowledgeable medical marijuana doctor online.