How Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Are Regulated in Virginia

In Virginia, cannabis dispensaries operate under a medical‑only cannabis program—adult-use recreational sales remain illegal, so there are no licensed retail cannabis stores open for adult consumers yet Virginia Mercury+15Virginia Cannabis Control Authority+15Reddit+15.

⚖️ How Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Are Regulated in Virginia

1. Licensing & Oversight

• Dispensaries must be licensed through the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA).

• Licensing occurs only during open application periods for pharmaceutical processors / medical cannabis dispensing facilities The Washington Post+9Virginia Cannabis Control Authority+9atach.org+9.

2. Dispensing Limits & Supply Determination

• Patients must hold a written certification from a registered healthcare provider.

• Dispensary pharmacists, in consultation with the patient, determine the “90-day supply”, commonly up to 4 ounces of flower per 30 days AP News+3vanorml.org+3Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, PC+3Reddit+1vanorml.org+1.

3. Security, Packaging, and Labeling

• Required measures include:

  • Video surveillance covering all storage and handling areas (recorded for at least 30 days)

  • Secure alarm systems, locked doors/windows, and strict inventory tracking (seed-to-sale)

• Edible products must use child-resistant, opaque packaging—no cartoon branding

• THC concentration, allergens, and health warnings must be clearly labeled; max of 10 mg THC per serving, 100 mg per package Reddit+1The Washington Post+1Reddit+7Food Handlers Guide+7AP News+7.

4. Age & Access Rules

• Entry restricted to individuals 21 years old or older

• No walk-in recreational access—patients must present ID and physician certification vanorml.org+5Food Handlers Guide+5Virginia Cannabis Control Authority+5vanorml.org.

5. Inspections & Compliance

• The Board of Pharmacy, now under CCA oversight, conducts routine inspections to ensure compliance

• Violations may result in fines up to $250,000, license suspension or revocation, and criminal penalties depending on severity vanorml.org+3Reddit+3atach.org+3Food Handlers Guide.

🚫 Why There Are No Adult‑Use Retail Dispensaries Yet

• Although medical cannabis is legal, recreational cannabis sales remain prohibited by state law. Legislation to establish a retail marketplace was passed but vetoed by the governor; a similar bill was vetoed again in March 2025 Reddit+12Reddit+12Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, PC+12.

• Adult-use legislation potentially allows regulated retail beginning May 2026, with licensing handled by the CCA. However, adult‑use retail sales will only occur if future legislature overrides the vetoes or a new governor signs it into law ForbesReddit.

📌 Summary Table

Area	Current Status in Virginia (as of mid-2025)
Medical cannabis	Legal through certified dispensaries
Adult-use retail sales	Illegal; proposed law vetoed
Patient supply limit	Up to 4 oz/month with provider certification
Packaging & labeling	Strict rules on child-resistance and THC limits
Security protocols	Required surveillance, record-keeping, audits
Oversight	Managed by Cannabis Control Authority, in coordination with Board of Pharmacy