The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) is seeking feedback from the public and stakeholders as it prepares regulations for the state’s upcoming retail marijuana market.
The CCA launched a survey Monday, which is open through July 21 and gives consumers, business owners, community organizations, health advocates and others a chance to weigh in on how Virginia’s future regulated market should operate.
According to the CCA, the survey is meant to gather input on operational considerations, regulatory impacts, consumer interests and other factors relevant to the state’s future retail market framework. The agency says the responses will be reviewed as part of its ongoing regulatory development process.
“This is about making sure we hear directly from the people who are closest to the work and the impacts,” said Jamie Patten, the CCA’s acting head and chief administrative officer. “Stakeholder feedback is an important part of our process as we work to develop regulations that protect public safety, advance public health, and support a well-regulated cannabis market.”
The survey comes as Virginia moves closer to launching legal retail marijuana sales, which are scheduled to begin July 1, 2027. The launch was authorized through legislation approved this year by the General Assembly and Governor Abigail Spanberger (D), with the CCA tasked with developing regulations and establishing a licensing process for businesses interested in participating in the market.
Virginia legalized marijuana possession in 2021, allowing those 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana in public and cultivate up to four plants per household. However, the state has yet to allow licensed adult-use sales, leaving medical dispensaries as the only legal source of regulated marijuana products.
In addition to preparing for retail marijuana sales, the CCA is also taking on a larger role in overseeing hemp-derived products. Beginning this year, regulatory responsibilities for certain hemp products are being transferred from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to the CCA. New requirements for hemp products are set to take effect August 15.
The CCA said feedback gathered through the survey will help the agency better understand the needs of those affected by Virginia’s evolving marijuana market as it considers regulations intended to protect public safety, advance public health and support a well-regulated industry.
The survey can be completed by clicking here.
