Virginia's recreational marijuana industry is on indefinite hold. Less than two years after the state became the first in the South to legalize simple possession of marijuana, the state's lawmakers have yet to finalize rules and regulations for recreational dispensaries.
This summer, Maryland will join its DMV neighbors in allowing adults 21 and older to consume marijuana recreational. But the rules for Virginia's recreational dispensaries remain unclear.
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginians could buy recreational marijuana over the counter starting in 2024 if a bill in the General Assembly is passed. The bill would allow anyone 21 and older to purchase up to one ounce of marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
With recreational retail sales in limbo, the state's medical cannabis program remains the only legal route for Virginians. However, patients cite ongoing issues with high fees and prices, inconsistent supply, low potency and overall access.
In 2021, lawmakers legalize simple possession of marijuana, but talks to begin recreational sales stalled out in the 2022 session and are now on hold indefinitely.
BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — A second medical marijuana dispensary is coming soon to the Tri-Cities. Rise dispensary in Bristol, Virginia held a grand opening in May 2021, joining Columbia Care in Portsmouth as the only two medical marijuana dispensaries in the state.
State lawmakers are set to take up numerous bills authorizing marijuana sales for recreational use and regulating hemp-derived products like CBD oil. However, the timeline for these bills remains uncertain.
Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia may all be celebrating "4/20" right now, but the way leaders in all three jurisdictions approach marijuana legal is vastly different. While D.C. legalize recreational marijuana in 2014, Maryland and Virginia are still working to finalize their regulations.
Despite the lack of recreational dispensaries, Virginia's medical cannabis program has seen some success. Columbia Care, the state's first medical marijuana dispensary, opened in Portsmouth in 2020 and has seen a steady stream of patients.
However, the high fees and prices associated with the medical program have led some patients to seek out other options. Many hope that the eventual legal of recreational dispensaries will lead to more affordable and accessible options for all Virginians.
In the meantime, lawmakers continue to work on finalizing regulations for the state's recreational marijuana industry. While the timeline remains uncertain, many are hopeful that Virginia will soon join its DMV neighbors in allowing adults to purchase and consume marijuana recreational.
