Virginia to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in retail stores beginning in 2027
The compromise raises the state sales tax to 8% in 2029 and gives localities limited control over store locations and hours.
- On Monday, Virginia enacted state budget legislation authorizing a regulated adult-use marijuana market, with up to 350 retail cannabis shops permitted to open beginning July 1, 2027.
- Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger secured the compromise after lawmakers rejected her initial amendments, forcing last-minute negotiations that resolved years of legislative gridlock following her earlier veto.
- State regulators will begin accepting retail license applications on February 1, 2027, with the program projected to generate about $51 million in first-year revenue from excise and sales taxes.
- Alcohol groups urged the governor to reconsider enforcement provisions, while hemp farmers oppose elimination of the state's 25:1 CBD-to-THC ratio, which could render existing products illegal.
- The law prioritizes "impact licensee" applicants from disadvantaged communities while mandating stores operate at least 1,000 feet from schools, playgrounds, hospitals, and drug treatment facilities.
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23 Articles
Virginia sets July 2027 date for legal recreational marijuana sales ...
Associated Press News
Virginia to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in retail stores beginning in 2027
Recreational marijuana sales are set to begin next year in Virginia. Five years ago, Virginia became the South’s first state to legalize possession of the drug but until now had failed to set up a retail market.
Virginia Lawmakers Give Final Approval To Marijuana Sales Legalization As Part Of Budget - Marijuana Moment
Virginia lawmakers have formally passed a budget bill that includes provisions to legalize recreational marijuana sales. On Monday, the Senate and House of Delegates adopted Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s (D) proposed amendments to the legislation that they had given initial approval to last week. Because lawmakers accepted her suggested changes in full, the measure has now […]
Virginia Lawmakers Give Final Approval To Marijuana Sales Legalization As Part Of Budget
Virginia lawmakers have formally passed a budget bill that includes provisions to legalize recreational marijuana sales. On Monday, the Senate and House of Delegates adopted Gov. Abigail Spanberger's (D) proposed amendments to the legislation that they had given initial approval to last week. Because lawmakers accepted her suggested changes in full, the measure has now been formally enacted into law and doesn't require any further action from th…
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