Virginia lawmakers are once again pushing for regulated recreational marijuana sales, but the looming threat of a veto from Governor Glenn Youngkin casts uncertainty over the bill’s future. While personal use and possession of marijuana have been legal in Virginia since 2021, there is still no way for residents to legally purchase it without a medical marijuana card.
With a new bill moving forward in the Virginia legislature, many are hopeful that a regulated adult-use market will soon be established. However, given Youngkin’s past opposition, will this bill suffer the same fate as previous efforts?
Recreational Marijuana in Virginia
Virginia made history as the first southern state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2021. However, due to political shifts in leadership, the framework for a retail market was never established. This means that, despite its legal status, there is currently no legal way for adults to buy recreational marijuana in Virginia.
Without dispensaries, many Virginians turn to unregulated sources, putting themselves at risk of purchasing unsafe products. The lack of a legal market has fueled a thriving illicit marijuana industry, estimated to be worth nearly $3 billion.
What the New Bill Proposes
A new bill, HB 2485, introduced by Del. Paul Krizek (D), and a companion bill in the Senate, SB 970, aim to finally establish a regulated market for recreational marijuana. If enacted, the legislation would:
Allow adults to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana from licensed retailers.
Permit retail sales starting no earlier than May 1, 2026.
Implement a state and local tax rate of up to 11.625% on purchases.
Enable local governments to ban dispensaries, but only with voter approval.
Allow Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority to oversee business licensing and regulation.
Supporters argue that this bill would transition Virginia away from an unregulated market, ensuring that marijuana products are tested for safety and kept out of the hands of minors. However, there’s one major hurdle, Governor Youngkin’s opposition.
Will Governor Youngkin Veto the Bill?
Despite bipartisan support for regulated sales, Governor Glenn Youngkin has been vocal about his opposition. Last year, he vetoed a similar bill, citing concerns over youth access, mental health risks, and public safety. His stance remains unchanged in 2025, with Youngkin stating in his State of the Commonwealth address that he has no intention of signing a bill to legalize retail marijuana sales.
This means that even if the bill passes through the Virginia legislature, it will likely face a veto unless lawmakers can secure enough votes to override it. Many advocates are already looking ahead to 2026 when Youngkin’s term ends, hoping that his successor will take a more favorable stance toward marijuana reform.
Why You Need a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia Right Now
With no recreational dispensaries currently operating in Virginia, the only way to legally purchase marijuana is with a medical marijuana card. For individuals relying on marijuana for pain management, anxiety, PTSD, or other medical conditions, obtaining a medical card ensures legal access to safe, state-regulated products.
Medical marijuana patients can purchase their products legally from Virginia’s licensed dispensaries, where all items undergo rigorous lab testing to ensure quality and potency. This not only guarantees safety but also provides peace of mind for consumers. Without a medical card, the only alternative is the unregulated market, which comes with risks such as contaminated products and inconsistent potency.
Additionally, if recreational marijuana sales are eventually legalized in Virginia, medical patients may still benefit from lower taxes and special discounts, making a medical card a valuable investment for those who rely on marijuana for their well-being.
What’s Next for Recreational Marijuana in Virginia?
The bill to legalize recreational sales is still making its way through the legislative process. Even if it passes, Governor Youngkin is expected to veto it. However, this legislative effort is laying the groundwork for future attempts to establish a legal market. If Virginia voters elect a new governor in 2026 who supports legalization, we could finally see recreational dispensaries open in the coming years.
Until then, the best and only way to access legal marijuana in Virginia is by obtaining a medical marijuana card. Whether or not the recreational sales bill survives, medical marijuana patients will continue to have legal access to dispensaries in Virginia.
As the situation evolves, our website will continue to provide the latest updates on medical marijuana dispensary openings, legislative changes, and new regulations. Check back regularly for updates on when and where you can legally purchase marijuana in Virginia.
Final Thoughts
Virginia is closer than ever to legalizing retail marijuana sales, but political obstacles remain. While lawmakers push forward, Governor Youngkin’s resistance could delay the process yet again.
In the meantime, if you need marijuana for medical purposes, don’t wait for recreational dispensaries, get your medical marijuana card today and ensure legal, safe access to the products you need.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today
Lucky for you, medical marijuana is already available in Virginia! You can get your medical marijuana card and access dispensaries today if you have a qualifying condition.
Recreational marijuana is legal in Virginia, but it does not mean much since there are no recreational dispensaries to purchase products from.
There are also countless benefits to having your medical card in a recreational state! You will save money on taxes and marijuana products and enjoy higher possession and purchase limits if you have your medical card in Virginia!
In order to qualify for your medical marijuana card, you will need to have a condition that would make you eligible. If you aren’t sure if you would qualify, give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have about the process.
If you don’t already have your card, no worries. We can help! If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, there is a good chance you would qualify for your medical card in the State of Virginia. With telemedicine, it is now easier than ever to get your medical card from the comfort of your own home!
In Virginia, any inhibiting condition could qualify you for your medical card. If you don’t already have it, we can help! Schedule an evaluation online today and we’ll make an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness
safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on
education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by
providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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