Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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The CCA Board of Directors is required by statute to meet at least every 60 days.
The Board meeting schedule can be viewed by searching by sponsor on the Commonwealth Calendar. Meetings open to the public will include the phrase “open meeting,” and the public may attend in person, or, when technology allows, watch online. The Board usually leaves a portion of the agenda open to public comment. The physical location of the meeting, as well as the virtual meeting link, will be posted on the Commonwealth Calendar event page for each meeting. Upcoming meeting information can also be found on the CCA’s website.
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The CCA Board of Directors is made up of individuals appointed by the Governor through an application and review process. This process is overseen by the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
A detailed description of the application process can be found on the Secretary of the Commonwealth website.
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Any open job postings for the CCA can be found by searching “Cannabis Control Authority” on the Virginia jobs website. To apply for open postings, follow the process on the Virginia jobs website.
Candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted by the hiring team directly via the email address or phone number provided by the candidate in their application materials.
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Common questions and answers about Virginia’s medical cannabis program can be found on this webpage and on our Medical Cannabis Program webpage.
If you still have questions, please contact us via email at medicalcannabis@cca.virginia.gov.
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Complaints about a cannabis dispensary can be sent to enforcement@cca.virginia.gov.
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To report suspected illegal sales, call 1-884-WEED-TIP (9333-847) or fill out our tip form on our website.
If you have a complaint about a dispensary, please contact enforcement@cca.virginia.gov.
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The CCA cannot provide legal advice. Depending upon your situation, it is best to consult with your own attorney.
Retail Marijuana Market
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July 1, 2027.
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The following license types are available:
Cultivation facility
Processing facility
Testing laboratory
Transporter
Delivery operator
Retail store
Dual use
Microbusiness
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The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority is working to establish license application processes. The latest information about licensing, application timelines, and next steps will be posted on our website as it becomes available. We encourage you to check back regularly for updates.
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The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority is working to establish license application processes, including license costs. The latest information about licensing, application timelines, and next steps will be posted on our website as it becomes available. We encourage you to check back regularly for updates.
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The CCA must begin accepting applications for some license types by February 1, 2027.
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You can view a timeline of implementation on our website. It will be updated with the latest progress, so please check back regularly for the latest information.
Hemp
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Responsibility for the enforcement of regulated hemp products is transferring to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).
Contact hemp@cca.virginia.gov with questions related to the oversight of the retail sale of edible hemp products and inhalable hemp products.
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August 7, 2026.
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Information for regulated hemp product retailers can be found on the CCA’s website. Please check the website regularly for the latest updates. Retailers can also sign up for the CCA’s Quarterly Newsletter for regular agency updates. Visit the CCA website’s home page and enter your email at the bottom of the home page.
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You can renew your registration by visiting our Hemp Product Retail Facility Registration application page.
Renewal applications that were sent to VDACS by July 17, 2026, are being processed by the CCA. Applicants can expect a 7-to-8-week processing time. Registrants will receive further guidance to renew their registrations from the CCA.
Current Hemp Product Retail Facility Registrations remain valid until their expiration.
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Registrants will receive further guidance to renew their registrations from the CCA.
Enforcement action for recently expired registrations will be limited during this transitional period. You can email questions to hemp@cca.virginia.gov.
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You can register by visiting our Hemp Product Retail Facility Registration application page.
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VDACS will stop accepting civil penalty payments on July 31, 2026. Civil penalties assessed by the VDACS Office of Hemp Enforcement will transition to the CCA if not resolved.
After July 31, 2026, the CCA will begin accepting payments. CCA’s process to receive these payments is still under development. Please check the CCA website regularly for the latest updates.
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You may contact VDACS for questions related to unpaid civil penalties until July 31, 2026. After July 31, 2026, please contact the CCA with questions. Please ensure you provide a case number and invoice number.
If your civil penalty is 60 days or more past due and your invoice is $3,000 or more, please contact the Office of the Attorney General for collection action.
Office of the Attorney General Contact:
Darchel G. Atkins, Senior Claims Representative/Unit Manager
(804) 371-2417
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Beginning August 15, 2026, hemp products offered for retail sale in Virginia cannot exceed 0.3 percent total THC or contain more than two milligrams of total THC per package. A product exceeding 0.3 percent total THC or containing more than two milligrams of total THC per package cannot be manufactured or sold as a hemp product in Virginia, regardless of whether it contains at least 25 parts CBD for every one-part THC. The 25 to 1 CBD to THC ratio allowance will be repealed on August 15, 2026.
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The enacted law does not include a sell-through or grace period for inventory. The CCA cannot authorize products to be manufactured or sold in a way that is inconsistent with the law.
Businesses are encouraged to make plans now to comply with new requirements by August 15, 2026.
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The CCA cannot authorize products to be manufactured or sold in a way that is inconsistent with the law.
Businesses are encouraged to make plans now to comply with new requirements by August 15, 2026.
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Hemp products manufactured, held, sold, or offered for sale in Virginia must comply with Virginia law and regulations.
An individual who holds, sells, or manufactures a product in Virginia that exceeds the allowable limit of THC is not in compliance with the hemp product laws in Virginia. A product that exceeds the THC limits may be considered marijuana.
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Manufacturers of industrial hemp-derived extracts intended for human consumption are still required to obtain a food safety permit from VDACS. Questions about manufacturer permits can be directed to the VDACS Food Safety team at foodsafety@vdacs.virginia.gov.
Inspections, enforcement, and the assessment of violations and penalties related to the packaging, labeling, and testing of industrial hemp-derived extracts will transfer to the CCA.
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VDACS will continue to issue Industrial Hemp Grower Registrations and will continue to regulate the cultivation of hemp in Virginia. A person growing any amount of hemp for any purpose in Virginia must have an Industrial Hemp Grower Registration. Questions about industrial hemp registrations can be directed to the VDACS Industrial Hemp Program at hemp@vdacs.virginia.gov.
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VDACS will continue to issue Industrial Hemp Processor and Handler Registrations. Questions about industrial hemp registrations can be directed to the VDACS Industrial Hemp Program at hemp@vdacs.virginia.gov.
Cannabis Laws in Virginia
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Adults 21 years and older may possess up to two ounces of cannabis outside their private residence.
Generally, adults 21 years and older may use cannabis in private residences. However, nothing prohibits the owner of a private residence from restricting the use of cannabis on its premises.
Adults 21 years and older may grow up to four plants per household (not per person), according to specified requirements. “Adult sharing” or transferring two ounces or less of cannabis between persons who are 21 years or older without payment is legal. “Adult sharing” does not include instances in which:
Cannabis is given away contemporaneously with another reciprocal transaction between the same parties;
A gift of cannabis is offered or advertised in conjunction with an offer for the sale of goods or services; or
A gift of cannabis is contingent upon a separate reciprocal transaction for goods or services.
Hemp products sold by a regulated hemp product retail facility.
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Possessing more than two ounces of cannabis, except in a private residence or by a licensee in the course of duties related to such licensee’s cannabis establishment.
Possession of more than two ounces, but not more than four ounces, is a civil penalty of no more than $25.
Possession of more than four ounces, but not more than one pound, of cannabis or an equivalent amount of cannabis product as determined by regulation promulgated by the Board is a Class 3 misdemeanor and, for a second or subsequent offense, a Class 2 misdemeanor and
Possession of more than one pound of cannabis or an equivalent amount of cannabis product as determined by regulation promulgated by the Board is a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 10 years and a fine of not more than $250,000, or both.
Anyone under the age of 21 consuming, purchasing, or possessing cannabis, or attempting to consume, purchase, or possess any amount of cannabis, unless the minor has a written medical cannabis certification from a practitioner and the consent of their parent or legal guardian.
Distributing or sell cannabis, and/or to possessing any amount of cannabis with the intent to distribute or sell it.
Using cannabis while driving a motor vehicle or while a passenger in a motor vehicle being driven. Possessing cannabis on school grounds, while operating a school bus, in a motor vehicle transporting passengers for hire, or in a commercial vehicle is also illegal.
Consuming cannabis or offering cannabis to another person in any public place.
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Currently, non-medical sales of cannabis are illegal. The sale of retail marijuana will begin July 1, 2027.
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No. Individuals who sell cannabis, or who possess with the intent to sell it, are subject to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the amount of cannabis involved.
“Adult sharing,” or transferring two ounces or less of cannabis between persons who are 21 years or older without payment, is legal. “Adult sharing” does not include instances in which:
Cannabis is given away contemporaneously with another reciprocal transaction between the same parties;
A gift of cannabis is offered or advertised in conjunction with an offer for the sale of goods or services; or
A gift of cannabis is contingent upon a separate reciprocal transaction for goods or services.
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No. Using cannabis or cannabis products in public places in Virginia is illegal. Virginia code defines public places as anywhere the public has access, including but not limited to restaurants, parks, stores, and streets.
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No. It is illegal in Virginia to drive under the influence of cannabis or to use cannabis while operating a motor vehicle or while traveling as a passenger. A first-time offense could lead to:
One year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500
$250 mandatory fine
Loss of driver’s license for one year
Additional offenses may result in more severe fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges.
Learn more about our Safe Driving campaign.
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Property owners and landlords can prohibit cannabis possession, consumption, or cultivation in rental agreements. Tenants should check their leases thoroughly before using or growing cannabis in a rental property. Even if cannabis is not mentioned specifically, no smoking clauses in rental agreements also apply to smoking cannabis products.
Medical cannabis users should also check their lease before using cannabis in a rented property. Tenants who violate any lease agreements related to cannabis or smoking may face consequences from their landlord, including the possibility of eviction.
Individuals may risk the loss of federal housing benefits by using or possessing cannabis. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development does not permit the use or possession of cannabis in federally assisted housing because cannabis remains illegal under federal law.
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Cannabis use may have impacts on firearm ownership under federal law. If you plan to use cannabis and own or purchase a firearm, you should research the current laws before making a purchase.
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Individual workplaces and employers may still prohibit cannabis use by their employees and enforce drug testing policies that identify cannabis users. Jobs involving public safety or the operation of vehicles and/or heavy machinery often exclude individuals who test positive for THC.
Virginia law protects some medicinal uses of cannabis against employment action, but this protection may not apply to all medical cannabis users.
Cannabis use can also impact workers’ compensation claims. If a cannabis user is in a workplace accident, the employer may require a drug test. Testing positive for THC may affect the workers’ compensation process, even if an individual is not intoxicated at the time of the incident.
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While medical cannabis is legal in the Commonwealth, military members or veterans using military benefits may still face repercussions from the military for using cannabis. This is true even though cannabis products may often be recommended for PTSD, a condition that disproportionately impacts veterans and active service members. Active-duty military and veterans should research this issue before choosing to use medical cannabis or other cannabis.
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Using or growing cannabis or being employed or otherwise involved in the cannabis industry can have significant repercussions for noncitizens, even when the activity is legal under state law. Green card applications, permanent visas, and other methods of obtaining United States citizenship or residency can be denied due to cannabis use or cannabis-related employment. Consumption of cannabis or involvement in the cannabis industry can also result in a noncitizen resident of the United States being denied re-entry after visiting another country. Noncitizens should consult with an attorney before using cannabis or working in the cannabis industry.
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To report suspected illegal sales, call 1-884-WEED-TIP (9333-847) or fill out our tip form on our website.
If you have a complaint about a dispensary, please contact enforcement@cca.virginia.gov.
Medical Cannabis - Patients and Care Givers
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You can obtain medical cannabis if you are a Virginia resident who has received a written certification from a qualified practitioner who has determined you have a condition or a disease that would benefit from the use of medical cannabis.
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Patients may present their written certification, whether digital or physical, and their state-issued ID at a licensed dispensary to access medical cannabis. Virginia residents who do not have a written certification should discuss cannabis as a treatment option with a medical practitioner. See a list of practitioners participating in the medical cannabis programs.
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No. The written certification is the primary document needed to access medical cannabis products. Patients can access the certification through the CCA Portal or ask their practitioner for a copy.
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A written certification for medical cannabis is valid for one year unless the practitioner designates an earlier expiration on the certification.
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The parent or legal guardian may receive a written certification on behalf of the minor or vulnerable adult.
One parent or legal guardian must be listed on the written certification completed by the qualified practitioner.
Should a second parent/legal guardian need to be added to the patient’s certification, the qualified practitioner may add that parent/legal guardian as a registered agent.
A second parent/legal guardian may also be added to the card using the agent registration process through the CCA Portal.
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You can find a practitioner in a few different ways:
Ask your current health care provider if they participate in the program.
Ask your provider for a referral to someone who does.
Check the CCA’s Participating Practitioners List.
Contact a nonprofit or support group related to your condition for recommendations.
In Virginia, written certifications for medical cannabis can be issued by a practitioner of medicine or osteopathy, a physician assistant licensed by the Board of Medicine, or an advanced practice registered nurse jointly licensed by the Board of Medicine and the Board of Nursing. You can use the participating practitioner list or reach out directly to a provider to confirm whether they participate in the program.
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Other states or jurisdictions may honor Virginia patient credentials to purchase medical cannabis products within their licensed dispensaries. Each jurisdiction establishes its own requirements and restrictions for visitor purchases. Review the requirements of the jurisdiction you are planning to visit.
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No. Licensed dispensaries in Virginia cannot accept out-of-state medical cards.
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It is illegal to consume cannabis in any public place. Virginia code specifies a public place is anywhere the public has access, including but not limited to restaurants, parks, stores, and streets.
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No. Virginia law does not require patients to register, and it is not required to access cannabis products at licensed dispensaries. The written certification is the primary document needed to access medical cannabis products.
Registration is only available for the purpose of adding a registered agent to a written certification if one was not included by the practitioner.
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For patients with a CCA Portal certification card, the card will contain the following:
Patient’s full legal name
Patient’s address
Patient’s date of birth
Date of issuance
Date of expiration
Qualified medical practitioner’s name, address, phone number and medical license number
If applicable, the legal name of the patient’s registered agent/parent or legal guardian, and the registered agent/parent or legal guardian’s date of birth
Barcode
QR code
Medical Cannabis - Registered Agents
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A registered agent is a person allowed to purchase or receive medical cannabis on behalf of a patient. A patient, or the patient’s parent or legal guardian, may choose a registered agent.
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Registration is only required under certain circumstances.
At the patient’s request, the practitioner may include the name of the patient’s registered agent on the written certification for medical cannabis, and the registered agent would not be required to register with the CCA before purchasing or receiving medical cannabis on behalf of the patient.
If the name of the registered agent is not recorded on the patient's written certification, then the registered agent must first register with the CCA prior to picking up or receiving medical cannabis on behalf of no more than two patients. Please see the medical cannabis program webpage for more information on obtaining registration.
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An individual may serve as a registered agent for no more than two patients.
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The initial registration fee is $25, and the annual renewal fee is $25.
Medical Cannabis - Healthcare Practitioners
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No. Annual registration is no longer required. However, to access the written certification form, practitioners must create an account to log into the CCA Portal.
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You can obtain medical cannabis if you are a Virginia resident who has received a written certification from a qualified practitioner who has determined you have a condition or a disease that would benefit from the use of medical cannabis.
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A practitioner of medicine or osteopathy, a physician assistant licensed by the Board of Medicine, or an advanced practice registered nurse jointly licensed by the Board of Medicine and the Board of Nursing can issue written certifications for the use of medical cannabis.
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Yes, provided that the use of telemedicine includes the delivery of patient care through real-time interactive audio-visual technology.
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Practitioners should have sufficient education and training to exercise appropriate professional judgment in the certification of patients for the use of medical cannabis products.
There is optional training for healthcare providers through TheAnswerPage.com.
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Applications for a pharmaceutical processor permit are only accepted during an open Notice of Open Application (NOA) period. When applications are being accepted, a notice will be placed on the CCA website.
During an open NOA period, the application process for pharmaceutical processor permits occurs in four stages: submission of initial application, reviewing and scoring applications, awarding of conditional approval, and granting of pharmaceutical processor permit.
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A maximum of five permits — one in each health service area established by the Virginia Department of Health.
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Up to five cannabis dispensing facility permits in each health service area. Each cannabis dispensing facility must be owned, at least in part, by the pharmaceutical processor permitted in that area.