Virginia Law

A. The Board may issue any of the following marijuana cultivation facility licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to cultivate, label, and package marijuana; to purchase or take possession of marijuana plants and seeds from other marijuana cultivation facilities; to transfer possession of and sell marijuana, immature marijuana plants, and marijuana seeds to retail marijuana stores; to transfer possession of marijuana, immature marijuana plants, and marijuana seeds to marijuana transporters; to transfer possession of and sell marijuana, marijuana plants, and marijuana seeds to other marijuana cultivation facilities; to transfer possession of and sell marijuana to marijuana processing facilities; and to transport marijuana, immature marijuana plants, and marijuana seeds from the marijuana cultivation facility's licensed premises to another licensed marijuana establishment:

1. Tier I marijuana cultivation facility license, which shall authorize the licensee to cultivate marijuana indoors or outdoors with a canopy that does not exceed 5,000 square feet.

2. Tier II marijuana cultivation facility license, which shall authorize the licensee to cultivate marijuana indoors or outdoors with a canopy that does not exceed 10,000 square feet.

3. Tier III marijuana cultivation facility license, which shall authorize the licensee to cultivate marijuana indoors with a canopy that does not exceed 15,000 square feet.

4. Tier IV marijuana cultivation facility license, which shall authorize the licensee to cultivate marijuana indoors with a canopy that does not exceed 25,000 square feet.

5. Tier V marijuana cultivation facility license, which shall authorize the licensee to cultivate marijuana indoors with a canopy that does not exceed 35,000 square feet.

In consideration of (i) market demand, (ii) utilization rates, (iii) sales data, (iv) product transfers, (v) inventory data, and (vi) the volume of license applications and issuances, the Board may (a) adjust the canopy of marijuana cultivation facilities within the square footage parameters set forth in this subsection or (b) increase the canopy of a marijuana cultivation facility beyond the square footage parameters set forth in this subsection if the Board determines that such increase will assist or encourage participation by impact licensees in the industry.

B. In accordance with the requirements of § 4.1-611, a marijuana cultivation facility licensee shall track the marijuana it cultivates from seed or immature marijuana plant to the point at which the marijuana plant or the marijuana produced by the marijuana plant is transported or transferred to a marijuana testing facility, a marijuana transporter, another marijuana cultivation facility, a marijuana processor, or a retail marijuana store or is disposed of or destroyed.

C. The cultivation of marijuana by a marijuana cultivation facility licensee in a secure agricultural greenhouse shall be considered indoor cultivation and shall be permitted, provided that the secure agricultural greenhouse is surrounded by a privacy fence that is no less than eight feet tall and is subject to monitored ingress and egress.

D. No more than one marijuana cultivation facility license authorizing outdoor cultivation shall be issued for any given parcel of land, nor shall any marijuana cultivation facility license authorizing outdoor cultivation be issued for any parcels that are contiguous and under common ownership or control to such parcel.

E. All areas within the licensed premises of a marijuana cultivation facility in which marijuana is cultivated, labeled, packaged, or stored shall meet all sanitary and security standards specified in regulations adopted by the Board.

2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.

A. The Board may issue marijuana processing facility licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to process, label, and package marijuana and marijuana products; to purchase or take possession of marijuana from a marijuana cultivation facility or another marijuana processing facility; to transfer possession of and sell marijuana and marijuana products to retail marijuana stores or other marijuana processing facilities; to transfer possession of marijuana and marijuana products to marijuana transporters; and to transport marijuana and marijuana products from the marijuana processing facility's licensed premises to another licensed marijuana establishment.

B. All areas within the licensed premises of a marijuana processing facility in which marijuana and marijuana products are processed shall meet all sanitary and security standards specified in regulations adopted by the Board. A marijuana processing facility that processes an edible marijuana product shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 51 (§ 3.2-5100 et seq.) of Title 3.2 and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

C. In accordance with the requirements of § 4.1-611, a marijuana processing facility licensee shall track the marijuana it uses in its processing from the point the marijuana is delivered or transferred to the marijuana processing facility by a marijuana transporter licensee to the point the marijuana or marijuana products produced using the marijuana are delivered or transferred to another marijuana processing facility, a retail marijuana store, a marijuana testing facility, or a marijuana transporter or are disposed of or destroyed.

2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.

A. The Board may issue retail marijuana store licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to purchase or take possession of marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds from a marijuana cultivation facility or marijuana processing facility; to take possession of marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds from a marijuana transporter; to sell marijuana, marijuana products, marijuana paraphernalia, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds to consumers on premises approved by the Board; to deliver marijuana, marijuana products, marijuana paraphernalia, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds only in person to consumers; to transfer possession of marijuana, marijuana products, marijuana paraphernalia, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds to marijuana delivery operators; and to transport marijuana, marijuana products, marijuana paraphernalia, immature marijuana plants, and marijuana seeds from the retail marijuana store's licensed premises to another retail marijuana store.

B. Retail marijuana stores shall be operated in accordance with the following provisions:

1. A person shall be 21 years of age or older to make a purchase in a retail marijuana store.

2. A retail marijuana store shall be permitted to sell marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds to consumers only (i) in a direct, face-to-face exchange; (ii) using a licensed marijuana delivery operator; or (iii) by delivery in person to consumers at any residence, including a temporary residence, or business; however, a retail marijuana store shall not deliver marijuana, marijuana products, marijuana paraphernalia, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds to (a) any military base, child day center, school, or correctional facility; (b) the State Capitol; (c) hospital; (d) marine terminal under the supervision of the Virginia Port Authority; or (e) any public gathering places, including sporting events, festivals, fairs, races, concerts, and terminals of public transportation companies. A retail marijuana store shall not be permitted to sell marijuana, marijuana products, marijuana paraphernalia, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds using:

a. An automated dispensing or vending machine; or

b. A drive-through sales window.

3. A retail marijuana store shall not be permitted to sell more than two ounces of marijuana or an equivalent amount of marijuana products as determined by regulation promulgated by the Board during a single transaction to one person.

4. A retail marijuana store shall not sell or market marijuana, marijuana products, marijuana paraphernalia, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds through an internet-based sales platform operated by a third party or fulfill any order referred by such internet-based sales platform operated by a third party.

5. A retail marijuana store shall not:

a. Give away any marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds except as otherwise permitted by this subtitle; or

b. Sell marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds to any person when at the time of such sale he knows or has reason to believe that the person attempting to purchase the marijuana, marijuana product, immature marijuana plant, or marijuana seed is intoxicated or is attempting to purchase marijuana for someone younger than 21 years of age in violation of § 4.1-1104.

6. In accordance with the requirements of § 4.1-611, a retail marijuana store licensee shall track all marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds from the point at which the marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds are delivered or transferred to the retail marijuana store to the point at which the marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds are sold to a consumer, delivered or transferred to a marijuana testing facility, transferred to a marijuana delivery operator, or disposed of or destroyed.

7. A retail marijuana store shall not be subject to the requirements of Chapter 51 (§ 3.2-5100 et seq.) of Title 3.2.

C. Each retail marijuana store licensee shall post in each retail marijuana store notice of the existence of a human trafficking hotline to alert possible witnesses or victims of human trafficking to the availability of a means to report crimes or gain assistance. The notice required by this subsection shall (i) be posted in a place readily visible and accessible to the public and (ii) meet the requirements specified in subsection C of § 40.1-11.3.

D. Each retail marijuana store licensee shall prominently display and make available for dissemination to consumers Board-approved information regarding the potential risks of marijuana use.

E. Each retail marijuana store licensee shall provide training, established or approved by the Board, to all employees educating them on how to discuss the potential risks of marijuana use with consumers.

F. All areas within the licensed premises of a retail marijuana store in which marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds are sold or stored shall meet all sanitary and security standards specified in regulations adopted by the Board.

2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.

A. The Board may issue microbusiness licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to conduct any activities authorized for marijuana cultivation facilities pursuant to § 4.1-800, marijuana processing facilities pursuant to § 4.1-801, and retail marijuana stores pursuant to § 4.1-802, as determined by the Board; however, (i) a microbusiness license shall authorize the licensee to cultivate marijuana indoors or outdoors with an indoor canopy that does not exceed 5,000 square feet and an outdoor canopy that does not exceed 10,000 square feet, or such other comparable limits as the Board may establish by regulation and (ii) a microbusiness licensee shall not hold or control any other license and may operate only one licensed premises.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a microbusiness licensee may conduct authorized activities at no more than two separate locations within the Commonwealth, provided that (i) each location is appropriately zoned and approved by the locality in which it is located; (ii) the locations are within 20 miles of one another; (iii) all locations operate under the same microbusiness license and common ownership and control; and (iv) no single license privilege, such as cultivating, processing, or retail sales, shall be exercised at more than one location.

C. Unless otherwise provided by law or the Board, a microbusiness licensee shall be subject to the same statutory requirements and regulations as marijuana cultivation facilities, marijuana processing facilities, and retail marijuana stores, including requirements for (i) tracking all marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds in accordance with § 4.1-611 and (ii) ensuring all areas within the licensed premises of the microbusiness meet all sanitary and security standards specified in regulations adopted by the Board.

?2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.

A. The Board may issue marijuana transporter licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to take possession of marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, and marijuana seeds from a marijuana cultivation facility, a marijuana processing facility, a retail marijuana store, a microbusiness, or another marijuana transporter; to transfer possession of marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, and marijuana seeds to a marijuana cultivation facility, marijuana processing facility, retail marijuana store, microbusiness, or another marijuana transporter; and to transport marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, and marijuana seeds from one licensed establishment to another.

B. All areas within the licensed premises of a marijuana transporter in which marijuana and marijuana products are stored shall meet all sanitary and security standards specified in regulations adopted by the Board.

C. In accordance with the requirements of § 4.1-611, a marijuana transporter licensee shall track the marijuana, marijuana products, immature marijuana plants, or marijuana seeds from the point at which the marijuana, marijuana products, plants, or seeds are delivered or transferred to the marijuana transporter to the point at which the marijuana, marijuana products, plants, or seeds are transferred to a marijuana processor, marijuana transporter, retail marijuana store, microbusiness, or marijuana testing facility or are disposed of or destroyed.

2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.

A. The Board may issue marijuana delivery operator licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to take possession of marijuana or marijuana products from a retail marijuana store or microbusiness and deliver such marijuana or marijuana products only in person to consumers at any residence, including a temporary residence, or business; however, a delivery operator licensee shall not deliver marijuana or marijuana products to (i) any military base, child day center, school, or correctional facility; (ii) the State Capitol; (iii) hospital; (iv) marine terminal under the supervision of the Virginia Port Authority; or (v) any public gathering places, including sporting events, festivals, fairs, races, concerts, and terminals of public transportation companies.

B. In accordance with the requirements of § 4.1-611, a marijuana delivery operator licensee shall track the marijuana or marijuana products from the point at which the marijuana or marijuana products are transferred to the marijuana delivery operator to the point at which the marijuana or marijuana products are delivered or transferred to the consumer or are disposed of or destroyed.

2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.

A. The Board may issue marijuana testing facility licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to develop, research, transport, or test marijuana, marijuana products, and other substances.

B. A marijuana testing facility may develop, research, or test marijuana and marijuana products for (i) that facility, (ii) another licensee, or (iii) a person who intends to use the marijuana or marijuana product for personal use as authorized under § 4.1-1100.

C. Neither this subtitle nor the regulations adopted pursuant to this subtitle shall prevent a marijuana testing facility from developing, researching, or testing substances that are not marijuana or marijuana products for that facility or for another person.

D. To obtain licensure from the Board, a marijuana testing facility shall be required to obtain and maintain accreditation pursuant to standard ISO/IEC 17025 of the International Organization for Standardization by a third-party accrediting body.

E. In accordance with the requirements of § 4.1-611, a marijuana testing facility licensee shall track all marijuana and marijuana products it receives from a licensee for testing purposes from the point at which the marijuana or marijuana products are delivered or transferred to the marijuana testing facility to the point at which the marijuana or marijuana products are disposed of or destroyed.

F. A person that has an interest in a marijuana testing facility license shall not have any interest in a licensed marijuana cultivation facility, licensed marijuana processing facility, licensed marijuana transporter, licensed retail marijuana store, or licensed microbusiness.

G. All areas within the licensed premises of a marijuana testing facility in which marijuana or marijuana products are tested or stored shall meet all sanitary and security standards specified in regulations adopted by the Board.

2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.

A. As used in this section, "interest" means a direct or indirect equity ownership interest, a partial equity ownership interest, or any other financial or economic interest representing at least 10 percent or more of the ownership, voting power, or economic value of an entity, including being an investor, partner, member, officer, or director or serving in any other management position.

B. A person may possess or hold interest in one or any combination of the following licenses pursuant to Board regulations: tier I marijuana cultivation facility license, tier II marijuana cultivation facility license, tier III marijuana cultivation facility license, tier IV marijuana cultivation facility license, tier V marijuana cultivation facility license, marijuana processing facility license, marijuana transporter license, marijuana delivery operator license, or retail marijuana store license. Board regulations shall be drawn to ensure that all licensees have an equal and meaningful opportunity to participate in the market. Moreover, except as provided in subsection C, (i) no person shall be granted or hold interest in more than five total licenses, not including marijuana transporter licenses, issued pursuant to this subtitle or more than one tier V marijuana cultivation facility license; (ii) no person that has been granted or holds interest in a marijuana cultivation facility license, marijuana processing facility license, marijuana transporter license, marijuana delivery operator license, retail marijuana store license, or microbusiness license shall be issued or hold interest in a marijuana testing facility license; (iii) no person that has been granted or holds interest in a microbusiness license shall be issued or hold interest in any other marijuana establishment; and (iv) no person that has been granted or holds interest in a pharmaceutical processor permit pursuant to Chapter 16 (§ 4.1-1600 et seq.) shall be issued or hold interest in any other marijuana establishment license, except for the cannabis dispensing facility permits allowed pursuant to § 4.1-1602.

C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any person or entity that, as of July 1, 2026, owns and controls a pharmaceutical processor permit pursuant to Chapter 16 (§ 4.1-1600 et seq.) or a conditional permit in more than one health service area, provided such person or entity continuously holds such pharmaceutical processor permits or conditional permits after July 1, 2026.

2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.

A. The Board may grant a permit that shall authorize any person who purchases at a foreclosure, secured creditor's, or judicial auction sale the premises or property of a person licensed by the Board and who has become lawfully entitled to the possession of the licensed premises to continue to operate the marijuana establishment to the same extent as the license holder for a period not to exceed 60 days or for such longer period as determined by the Board. Such permit shall be temporary and shall confer the privileges of any licenses held by the previous owner to the extent determined by the Board. Such temporary permit may be issued in advance, conditioned on the requirements in this subsection.

B. A temporary permit granted pursuant to subsection A may be revoked summarily by the Board for any cause set forth in § 4.1-900 without complying with subsection A of § 4.1-903. Revocation of a temporary permit shall be effective upon service of the order of revocation upon the permittee or upon the expiration of three business days after the order of the revocation has been mailed to the permittee at either his residence or the address given for the business in the permit application. No further notice shall be required.

2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.

As a condition of licensure, a licensee shall at all times maintain possession of the licensed premises of the marijuana establishment that the licensee is licensed to operate, whether pursuant to a lease, rental agreement, or other arrangement for possession of the premises or by virtue of ownership of the premises. If the licensee fails to maintain possession of the licensed premises, the license shall be revoked by the Board.

2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.

A. The Board may refuse to grant any license if it has reasonable cause to believe that the granting of the license would be detrimental to the interest, morals, safety, or welfare of the public or would be inconsistent with the provisions of this subtitle.

B. The Board shall refuse to grant any license if it has reasonable cause to believe that:

1. The applicant, or if the applicant is a partnership, any general partner thereof, or if the applicant is an association, any member thereof, or a limited partner of 10 percent or more with voting rights, or if the applicant is a corporation, any officer, director, or shareholder owning 10 percent or more of its capital stock, or if the applicant is a limited liability company, any member-manager or any member owning 10 percent or more of the membership interest of the limited liability company:

a. Is not 21 years of age or older;

b. Has been convicted in any court of a felony, other than a conviction for a felony violation of § 18.2-248.1, or any crime or offense involving moral turpitude under the laws of any state or of the United States within seven years of the date of the application or has not completed all terms of sentencing and probation resulting from any such conviction;

c. Knowingly employs or allows to volunteer someone younger than 21 years of age;

d. Is not the legitimate owner of the business proposed to be licensed, or other persons have ownership interests in the business that have not been disclosed;

e. Has not demonstrated financial responsibility sufficient to meet the requirements of the business proposed to be licensed;

f. Has misrepresented a material fact in applying to the Board for a license;

g. Has defrauded or attempted to defraud the Board, or any federal, state, or local government or governmental agency or authority, by making or filing any report, document, or tax return required by statute or regulation that is fraudulent or contains a false representation of a material fact, or has willfully deceived or attempted to deceive the Board, or any federal, state, or local government or governmental agency or authority, by making or maintaining business records required by statute or regulation that are false or fraudulent;

h. Is violating or allowing the violation of any provision of this subtitle in his establishment at the time his application for a license is pending;

i. Is a full-time or part-time employee of the Department of State Police or of a police department or sheriff's office that is a part of or administered by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, and who is responsible for the enforcement of the penal, traffic, or motor vehicle laws of the Commonwealth;

j. Has been sanctioned by the Board pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Board for a violation pursuant to Chapter 16 (§ 4.1-1600 et seq.);

k. Is physically unable to carry on the business for which the application for a license is filed or has been adjudicated incapacitated; or

l. Is delinquent for a period of 90 days or more in the payment of any taxes, or any penalties or interest related thereto, lawfully imposed by the locality where the place to be occupied by the applicant is located, as certified by the treasurer, commissioner of the revenue, or finance director of such locality, unless (i) the outstanding amount is de minimis; (ii) the applicant has pending a bona fide application for correction or appeal with respect to such taxes, penalties, or interest; or (iii) the applicant has entered into a payment plan approved by the same locality to settle the outstanding liability.

2. The applicant is a member or employee of the Board or is a corporation or other business entity in which a member or employee of the Board is a stockholder or has any other economic interest. Whenever any other elected or appointed official of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof applies for such a license or continuance thereof, he shall state on the application the official position he holds, and whenever a corporation or other business entity in which any such official is a stockholder or has any other economic interest applies for such a license, it shall state on the application the full economic interests of each such official in such corporation or other business entity.

3. The place to be occupied by the applicant:

a. Does not conform to the requirements of the governing body of the county, city, or town in which such place is located with respect to sanitation, health, construction, or equipment, or to any similar requirements established by the laws of the Commonwealth or by Board regulation;

b. Is so located that granting a license and operation thereunder by the applicant would result in violations of this subtitle or Board regulations or violation of the laws of the Commonwealth or local ordinances relating to peace and good order;

c. When the applicant is applying for a retail marijuana store license or microbusiness license, is (i) located within 1,000 feet of any hospital; public, private, or parochial school or institution of higher education; or child day program; or (ii) so located with respect to any such facilities, programs, or institutions that the operation of such place under such license will adversely affect or interfere with the normal, orderly conduct of the affairs of such facilities, programs, or institutions;

d. When the applicant is applying for a retail marijuana store license or microbusiness license, is so located with respect to any residence or residential area that the operation of such place under such license will adversely affect real property values or substantially interfere with the usual quietude and tranquility of such residence or residential area;

e. Is so constructed, arranged, or illuminated that law-enforcement officers and agents of the Board are prevented from ready access to and reasonable observation of any room or area within which marijuana or marijuana products are to be sold; or

f. Is an establishment where alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or tobacco products are manufactured, sold, or used.

Nothing in this subdivision 3 shall be construed to require an applicant to have secured a place or premises until the final stage of the license approval process.

4. The number of licenses existing in the locality is such that the granting of a license is detrimental to the interest, morals, safety, or welfare of the public. In reaching such conclusion, the Board shall consider (i) the criteria established by the Board to evaluate new licensees based on the density of retail marijuana stores in the community; (ii) the character of, population of, number of similar licenses in, and number of all licenses existent in the particular county, city, or town and the immediate neighborhood concerned; (iii) the effect that a new license may have on such county, city, town, or neighborhood in conforming with the purposes of this subtitle; and (iv) the objections, if any, that may have been filed by a local governing body or local residents.

5. There exists any law, ordinance, or regulation of the United States, the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision thereof that warrants refusal by the Board to grant any license.

6. The Board is not authorized under this subtitle to grant such license.

2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.

The denial of a license or permit by the Board shall be final unless appealed pursuant to § 4.1-1009.

2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.