Legislation to create a regulated recreational marijuana market in Virginia (House Bill 642) was given approval today by the House General Laws Committee in an overwhelming 19 to 2 vote. The bill would also increase the possession limit from 1 ounce to 2.5
The measure, filed by Delegate Paul Krizek (D), serves as the House companion to Senate Bill 542, a wide-ranging proposal that would direct the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to begin establishing a full licensing system for the cultivation, processing, testing, and retail sale of marijuana. The Senate version advanced earlier this week through the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee.
Virginia legalized adult possession and home cultivation of marijuana in 2021, but retail sales have never been implemented. HB 642 is designed to change that by formally creating a pathway for commercial marijuana sales in the Commonwealth. Under the bill, the Cannabis Control Authority would be tasked with building out the licensing framework, with applications allowed on or after July 1, 2026.
In addition to launching a regulated marketplace, the proposal would raise the legal possession limit for adults 21 and older from one ounce to 2.5 ounces. The bill also rewrites significant portions of Virginia’s marijuana criminal code to better align penalties with the new licensing system.
Cultivating or processing marijuana without a license would be treated as a Class 6 felony, while unlicensed sales would be classified as a misdemeanor that increases in severity for repeat offenses. Selling marijuana to someone under 21 would remain a Class 1 misdemeanor.
At the same time, the legislation reduces or eliminates several existing felony provisions tied to marijuana, including penalties for transporting large amounts into the state and sections of law that previously grouped marijuana with harder controlled substances for sentencing enhancements.
With the 19 to 2 committee vote, the House version now advances alongside SB 542, positioning both chambers to continue debating how Virginia transitions from a possession-only legal framework to a fully regulated marijuana industry.
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