Virginia lawmakers have once again approved legislation to establish a regulated and taxed recreational marijuana market. However, despite the General Assembly’s approval, Governor Glenn Youngkin has made it clear he does not support retail marijuana sales, making a veto all but certain. This political battle has left Virginia residents in an unusual situation, marijuana is legal to possess and grow, but there is still no way to purchase it legally.
For Virginians seeking safe, legal access to marijuana, a medical marijuana card remains the only option. Until recreational dispensaries are officially authorized and opened, the state’s medical marijuana program is the only legal pathway to purchasing marijuana in Virginia.
Recreational Marijuana Is Legal, But You Still Can’t Buy It
Virginia made history in 2021 as the first Southern state to legalize small-scale marijuana possession and home cultivation for adults aged 21 and older. Under current law, residents can:
Grow up to four marijuana plants per household.
Possess up to one ounce of marijuana in public.
Use marijuana recreationally on private property.
While personal possession and cultivation are legal, there is no legal way to purchase marijuana for recreational use. Unlike other states that have established retail markets, Virginia has been caught in a legislative battle over whether and how to regulate marijuana sales.
The recent bills, House Bill 2485 and Senate Bill 970, aimed to establish a regulated market for adult-use marijuana sales, similar to those in states like Colorado, California, and neighboring Maryland. But with Youngkin strongly opposed, the chances of these bills becoming law are slim.
Governor Youngkin’s Expected Veto
Despite bipartisan support in the Virginia General Assembly, Governor Youngkin has repeatedly dismissed efforts to create a state-regulated marijuana market. His primary concerns include:
Crime and public safety issues related to marijuana sales.
Mental health risks associated with increased marijuana use.
Regulatory challenges in establishing a controlled marketplace.
Youngkin’s administration has not supported any expansion of marijuana legalization, making it highly likely that he will veto any bill allowing recreational dispensaries to open. Since Democrats do not have enough votes to override a veto, this means Virginia will remain without a legal retail marijuana market—at least until a new governor takes office.
For Virginians, this means that while possession and home growing remain legal, the underground market will continue to thrive, as there are no legal retail options for recreational sales.
The Only Legal Way to Buy Marijuana in Virginia
With recreational dispensaries still unavailable, the only way to legally access marijuana in Virginia is through the state’s medical marijuana program. Patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card and purchase from licensed dispensaries, ensuring safe and legal access. You can book an appointment today with one of our doctors to start that process.
A medical marijuana card grants legal access to state-approved dispensaries, guaranteeing tested, high-quality products. Without it, there is no legal way to buy marijuana in Virginia, and purchasing from unlicensed sellers carries legal risks. Medical patients also benefit from higher possession limits, making it easier to manage chronic pain, PTSD, or other conditions. Additionally, medical dispensaries offer stronger THC options, edibles, tinctures, and oils, many unavailable to recreational users.
Another advantage is lower taxes, making medical marijuana more affordable than future recreational sales. Until recreational dispensaries open, a medical marijuana card remains the best and only legal option in Virginia.
Will Virginia Ever Have Recreational Dispensaries?
With Youngkin’s veto likely, recreational dispensaries in Virginia are not expected to open anytime soon. Until a new governor is elected, residents will not have access to a regulated recreational marijuana market.
There is still hope for future changes. Public support for legal sales is growing, with a 2024 Roanoke College poll showing that 63% of Virginians support establishing a regulated marijuana marketplace, while only 15% oppose it. Legislators continue to push for reform, arguing that legalizing marijuana sales is necessary to curb the illegal market and generate tax revenue for the state. Additionally, neighboring states like Maryland and Washington, D.C. have already established legal retail marijuana markets, putting pressure on Virginia to follow suit.
While the future of recreational sales remains uncertain, medical marijuana is still the best and only legal option for Virginians seeking relief for pain, anxiety, PTSD, or other qualifying conditions.
Summary
Virginia’s recreational marijuana market is stalled, and no legal dispensaries are expected to open anytime soon due to Governor Youngkin’s likely veto. This means that medical marijuana remains the only legal way to purchase marijuana in Virginia.
If you qualify for medical marijuana, getting your medical marijuana card is the best option. It provides legal protection, access to dispensaries, and high-quality tested products.
Don’t wait for a recreational market that may never happen, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors today and start accessing marijuana legally through Virginia’s medical marijuana program.
For more information on qualifying conditions, dispensary locations, and application steps, visit our website for the latest updates on Virginia’s medical marijuana laws.
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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