Legislation to establish a regulated recreational marijuana market in Virginia has now cleared both chambers of the General Assembly, setting the stage for final negotiations via a conference committee before it reaches the governor’s desk.
The Virginia House of Delegates has passed HB 642 in a 65 to 32 vote. The measure, introduced by Delegate Paul Krizek (D), would create a comprehensive framework for licensed cultivation, processing, testing, distribution and retail sales of marijuana for adults 21 and older. Under current law, marijuana possession is legal in Virginia, but licensed sales are not.
Under the proposal, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would oversee the adult-use market, including licensing, compliance and enforcement. Separate license categories would be created for cultivators, manufacturers, testing laboratories, wholesalers and retailers. The bill outlines operational requirements covering product tracking, security, advertising, employee training and recordkeeping.
The legislation would increase the legal possession limit for adults from one ounce to 2.5 ounces and restrict retail sales to those 21 and older, with mandatory age verification. Medical marijuana would continue operating under its current structure, with the adult-use system functioning alongside it.
The Senate has also approved its version of the legislation, sponsored by Senator Lashrecse Aird (D), in a narrow 21 to 19 vote. While both measures aim to authorize licensed retail sales, differences in language between the two bills mean a conference committee must now be appointed. Lawmakers from both chambers will negotiate a unified version before sending the final legislation back for approval.
If a compromise is reached and passed by both the House and Senate, the bill will head to the governor, who has indicated plans to sign legislation allowing licensed adult-use marijuana sales.
If the legislation does become law, Virginia will become the 24th state to allow licensed adult-use cannabis sales.
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