Virginia has legalized recreational marijuana, but for now, there is no way to purchase it legally. While personal use, possession, and even home cultivation are permitted under state law, retail dispensaries for adult-use marijuana have not been established. This leaves many Virginians wondering: When will recreational sales begin, and what should consumers do in the meantime?
Currently, the only way to access marijuana dispensaries in Virginia is with a medical marijuana card. While lawmakers continue debating the rollout of recreational dispensaries, patients who need marijuana for health-related reasons should strongly consider obtaining a medical marijuana card to ensure safe, legal access.
Why Can’t You Buy Recreational Marijuana in Virginia Yet?
Although Virginia legalized adult-use marijuana in 2021, the state has yet to establish a retail sales system. The original legalization bill required a second vote by lawmakers to create a regulated marketplace, but Republican lawmakers blocked the effort after taking control of the House of Delegates and the governor’s office.
As a result, while it is legal to possess and consume marijuana in Virginia, there are no licensed recreational dispensaries where consumers can legally purchase it. This has created a thriving illicit market, with unregulated storefronts and street dealers filling the gap. However, these unregulated products pose risks due to unknown potency, contamination, and lack of safety testing.
Recent legislative efforts to establish recreational dispensaries have faced opposition from Governor Glenn Youngkin, who has stated he will veto any attempt to regulate and legalize adult-use sales. This means Virginians could be waiting several more years before recreational dispensaries become a reality.
The Only Legal Way to Access Dispensaries in Virginia
Since recreational dispensaries do not exist, the only legal way to purchase marijuana in Virginia is through the state’s medical marijuana program. Licensed medical marijuana dispensaries already operate in the state, offering lab-tested, high-quality marijuana products to registered medical patients.
To qualify for medical marijuana, patients must have a qualifying condition and obtain a medical marijuana card. This ensures safe, legal access to marijuana while avoiding the risks associated with the unregulated illicit market.
Benefits of Having a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia
Even when recreational sales do eventually begin, holding a medical marijuana card will still offer key advantages over purchasing as a recreational user.
1. Legal Access to Dispensaries Now
With no recreational dispensaries available, a medical marijuana card is the only way to legally purchase marijuana in Virginia. Waiting for recreational sales to start could take years, whereas medical marijuana patients can shop at licensed dispensaries today.
2. No Additional Excise Taxes
Future recreational sales will likely come with high taxes, including a potential 11.625% total tax (8% marijuana tax + 1.125% state tax + optional 2.5% local tax). Medical marijuana purchases are exempt from these extra taxes, making them the more affordable option in the long run.
3. Higher Purchase Limits
If Virginia follows other states’ recreational models, adult-use customers will likely have lower purchase and possession limits. Medical marijuana patients often have higher limits, ensuring they can obtain the amount they need without frequent dispensary visits.
4. Access to Stronger, Specialized Products
Medical marijuana patients have access to higher-potency products, including stronger edibles, tinctures, and concentrates that may not be available in a future recreational market. If Virginia imposes THC restrictions on recreational products, medical marijuana will still offer higher-strength options.
5. Protection From Future Legal Changes
With ongoing uncertainty around recreational marijuana sales, medical marijuana patients have more legal security. Lawmakers frequently adjust marijuana laws, and holding a medical marijuana card ensures uninterrupted access, even if Virginia’s recreational market faces delays or new restrictions.
When Will Recreational Dispensaries Open in Virginia?
Recent legislative efforts aimed to launch Virginia’s recreational marijuana market by May 2026, but Governor Youngkin has vowed to veto any bill establishing legal sales. This means Virginia residents may have to wait until a new governor takes office before a sales system is created.
Even if lawmakers pass a retail sales bill in the future, setting up licensing, cultivation, and distribution systems will take at least 12 to 24 months. Other states have taken years to transition from legalization to fully operational dispensaries, and Virginia is no exception.
Without legal recreational dispensaries, illegal marijuana sales continue to thrive. Law enforcement officials have struggled to crack down on unregulated storefronts and delivery services, which sell untested products. Consumers should be cautious, as these products may contain contaminants, inaccurate THC levels, or harmful additives.
Final Thoughts
While Virginia has legalized recreational marijuana, dispensaries are not open yet, and there’s no clear timeline for when they will be. The only way to legally purchase marijuana in Virginia right now is through the state’s medical marijuana program.
Even once recreational sales begin, medical marijuana will remain the better choice due to lower taxes, higher purchase limits, access to stronger products, and exclusive patient discounts. Instead of waiting for lawmakers to resolve the uncertain future of recreational dispensaries, residents who need marijuana for medical use should apply for a medical marijuana card today to secure safe, legal access to dispensaries right now.
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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