Marijuana Dispensary: Virginia’s Cannabis Policy Updates for 2024
Governor Youngkin Vetoes Legal Cannabis Sales Bill
🚨 Virginia was the first Southern state to legalize cannabis in 2021, but adult-use sales remain illegal due to a legislative deadlock.
❌ In 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed multiple cannabis reform bills, including:
- Legalization of adult-use cannabis sales
- Protections for parents using cannabis responsibly
- Resentencing for those convicted of past cannabis violations
📢 A new governor will be elected in 2026! Virginia’s next leader could determine the future of cannabis sales in the state.
Current Cannabis Laws in Virginia
✅ What’s Legal for Adults?
- Possession of up to one ounce
- Home cultivation of up to four plants
- Sharing (but not selling) cannabis with other adults
🚫 What’s Still Illegal?
- Buying or selling cannabis (no retail market exists)
- Possessing more than one ounce
- Public consumption
Employment Protections for Medical Cannabis Patients
✅ Signed into law in 2024: HB149 & SB391
- Public sector employees (firefighters, EMS workers, teachers, and other civil servants) now have employment protections for medical cannabis use.
- Private sector employees were already protected under previous legislation.
No More Searches Based on Cannabis Odor
🚔 Thanks to SB 5029, law enforcement can no longer use the smell of cannabis as a reason to search and seize property.
Virginia’s Medical Cannabis Program
🩺 Expanded access since 2017:
- Patients with any condition can receive medical cannabis recommendations.
- Whole-plant cannabis is now allowed.
- Employment protections exist for medical cannabis patients using cannabis outside of work.
📍 Find registered medical cannabis dispensaries and practitioners through the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority website.
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