🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:
Response:
Calculated Shard: 181 (from laksa031)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:
Response:

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:
Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:
Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

đź“„
INDEXABLE
âś…
CRAWLED
19 hours ago
🤖
ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

FilterStatusConditionDetails
HTTP statusPASSdownload_http_code = 200HTTP 200
Age cutoffPASSdownload_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH0 months ago
History dropPASSisNull(history_drop_reason)No drop reason
Spam/banPASSfh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0ml_spam_score=0
CanonicalPASSmeta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsedNot set

Page Details

PropertyValue
URLhttps://cca.virginia.gov/laws
Last Crawled2026-04-23 07:16:55 (19 hours ago)
First Indexed2024-09-27 18:05:18 (1 year ago)
HTTP Status Code200
Content
Meta TitleCannabis Laws Overview — Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
Meta DescriptionExplore Virginia's cannabis laws and regulations with the Cannabis Control Authority. Stay informed about legal requirements, updates, and compliance resources to navigate the evolving cannabis landscape responsibly.
Meta Canonicalnull
Boilerpipe Text
It can be hard to know what’s legal and what’s not when it comes to cannabis in Virginia. Read below to learn what’s okay and what could land you in trouble. What’s Legal? Medical cannabis sold by a licensed pharmaceutical processor or dispensing facility  Possession of cannabis for personal use in your private residence  Public possession of up to 1 oz. of cannabis for personal use  Home cultivation of up to four cannabis plants. Adult-sharing – the private transfer of 1 oz. or less of cannabis between people 21 years or older without exchanging anything else of value. What's Illegal? Selling or buying adult-use cannabis. Pop-up shops or other limited-time markets violate the law.  Growing plants visible to the public  Cultivating more than four plants at home  Driving under the influence of cannabis  Carrying cannabis while providing transportation services, such as a cab, Uber, or Lyft.  Storing cannabis that’s open and accessible to the passenger area of a vehicle. The passenger area includes:  Any area within reach of the driver  The area where passengers are seated  An unlocked glove compartment  Legal Consequences Possession of cannabis outside of your personal residence can result in legal consequences. The penalty differs based on the amount of cannabis:  More than 1 oz. and up to 4 oz.: $25 civil fine  More than 4 oz. and up to 1 lb.: Class 2 or Class 3 misdemeanor  More than 1 lb.: Felony and can result in a prison sentence of one to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000  Frequently Asked Questions The terms “marijuana” and “cannabis” are used interchangeably. Unless otherwise noted, on this website the term “marijuana” means marijuana in any form and stage of growth and includes all products made with marijuana. Adults 21 years and older may possess up to one ounce of cannabis on his person or in any public place.  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 (see guidance on home cultivation ).“Adult sharing” or transferring one ounce or less of cannabis between person who are 21 years or older without remuneration 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.  With the exception of possession by a person in his residence or possession by a licensee in the course of his duties related to such licensee’s cannabis establishment, any person who possesses on his person or in any public place.  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 guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and, for a second or subsequent offense, a Class 2 misdemeanor and  More than one pound of cannabis or an equivalent amount of cannabis product as determined by regulation promulgated by the Board is guilty of 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.  It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume, purchase, or possess cannabis, or to attempt to consume, purchase, or possess any amount of cannabis.  It is illegal to distribute or sell cannabis, and/or to possess any amount of cannabis with the intent to distribute or sell it. This prohibition applies equally to businesses, which will not be permitted to sell, “gift,” or in any other way distribute cannabis.  It is illegal to use cannabis while driving a motor vehicle or while being 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.   It is illegal to consume cannabis or offer cannabis to another person in any public place.   No. The General Assembly did not reenact the legislative framework for creating an adult-use retail market. 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.   On July 1, 2021, “adult sharing,” or transferring one ounce or less of cannabis between persons who are 21 years or older without remuneration, became 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.  For more information on this topic, see our guidance on home cultivation page . No. Using 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. 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 and sign the pledge to not drive high. It depends.  Air travel : It is illegal under federal law to fly with cannabis products that contain more than 0.3% THC. If TSA officers discover cannabis during security screening, TSA is required to report law violations to local, state, or federal authorities. Flying with cannabis products over international borders is also illegal and falls under the jurisdiction of Customs and Border Protection.  Car travel : It is illegal to use or consume cannabis or cannabis products while driving or being a passenger in a motor vehicle on a public highway in Virginia. It is also illegal to have an open container of cannabis in the passenger area of a vehicle. It is illegal under federal law to transport any cannabis across any state or territory lines.  It is illegal under federal law to mail or receive by mail cannabis products that contain more than 0.3% THC. The United States Postal Service is subject to federal law. A person is liable to face consequences in both the state in which the package is received and the state from which the package was mailed. Private mailing companies also prohibited the mailing of cannabis, including:  UPS  FedEx  DHL  10 Roads Express Property owners and landlords can prohibit cannabis consumption or cultivation in rental housing agreements. Tenants should check their lease agreements 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 the 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. Cannabis use can impact firearm ownership. To purchase a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, you must complete Form 4473 from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), which requires the person completing the form certify they are not a user of any Schedule I drugs, including cannabis. This also applies to medical cannabis users. Concealed carry permits also require this certification. Firearm owners are prohibited from selling ammunition or firearms to any person they know or “have reasonable cause to believe” uses cannabis. 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. 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 prescribed for PTSD, a condition that disproportionately impacts veterans and active service members. While federal legislation has been proposed to address this issue, Congress has not yet passed such legislation and active-duty military and veterans should research this issue before choosing to use medical cannabis or other cannabis. 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. “Adult sharing,” or transferring one ounce or less of cannabis between person who are 21 years or older without remuneration is legal. This includes cannabis plant seeds and starts. For more information on this topic, visit out guidance on home cultivation page . No. There is only a licensing process for pharmaceutical processors. The Virginia General Assembly has not reenacted the legislative framework for creating an adult-use retail market. Until the General Assembly passes legislation creating an adult-use retail market, there will not be a licensing process for retail dispensaries or other adult-use cannabis licenses.  To open a medical cannabis dispensary, pharmaceutical processors may submit an application only during an open Notice of Open Applications (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. At this time, the CCA does not have law enforcement authority. Please contact local, state, or federal law enforcement.
Markdown
[0](https://cca.virginia.gov/cart) ![Virginia.gov Cardinal](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664229cd06b6f9326d1e815c/71272366-0f71-4dc7-983f-f059be2608ad/cardinal.png)An Agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia [Virginia.gov](https://www.virginia.gov/)[Find an Agency](https://www.virginia.gov/agencies) [Skip to Content](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws#page) [![Virginia Cannabis Control Authority](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664229cd06b6f9326d1e815c/b98acd7a-ec95-494e-88a6-fb81d9503424/CCA-Logo_Horizontal-Reversed-RGB.png?format=1500w)](https://cca.virginia.gov/) About [About the CCA](https://cca.virginia.gov/about) [CCA Board of Directors](https://cca.virginia.gov/bod) [Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council](https://cca.virginia.gov/cphac) [Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board](https://cca.virginia.gov/cerb) [Reports and Studies](https://cca.virginia.gov/reports) [News](https://cca.virginia.gov/news) [Job Opportunities](https://jobs.virginia.gov/) Medical Cannabis Program [Overview](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis) [Patients, Parents, Legal Guardians, and Registered Agents](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/patients) [Healthcare Practitioners](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/providers) [Pharmaceutical Processors](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/processors) [Dispensary Locations](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/dispensaries) [Participating Practitioner List](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/practitionerlist) [CCA Portal](https://va-cca-public.nls.egov.com/login) [Data Dashboard](https://cca.virginia.gov/datadashboard) Cannabis Laws in Virginia [Overview](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws) [History of Cannabis Regulation in Virginia](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/history) [Adult Sharing vs. Illegal Exchanges](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/adultsharing) [Cannabis Mail and Travel Laws](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/mailtravel) [Cannabis Pop-up Shops](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/popupshops) Educational Resources [Overview](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources) [Understanding Cannabis](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/understanding) [Safe Driving Campaign](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/safedriving) [Talking About Cannabis - Parents](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/youthprevention-parents) [Talking About Cannabis - Teens](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/youthprevention-teens) [Talking About Cannabis - Young Adults](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/youngadults) [Responsible Adult Cannabis Consumption](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/adultuse) [Health Risks of Cannabis Consumption](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/risks) [Cannabis and Pregnancy](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/pregnancy) [Ancillary Effects of Cannabis Use](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/ancillaryeffects) [Secondhand Smoke Exposure](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/secondhandsmoke) [Medical Cannabis Storage and Disposal](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/storagedisposal) [Cannabis Use Disorder](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/usedisorder) [Guidance on Home Cultivation](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/homecultivation) Contact [Contact the CCA](https://cca.virginia.gov/contact) [Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)](https://cca.virginia.gov/contact/foia) [Social Media Rules of Engagement](https://cca.virginia.gov/socialmedia) [Search](https://cca.virginia.gov/search) Open Menu Close Menu [![Virginia Cannabis Control Authority](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664229cd06b6f9326d1e815c/b98acd7a-ec95-494e-88a6-fb81d9503424/CCA-Logo_Horizontal-Reversed-RGB.png?format=1500w)](https://cca.virginia.gov/) About [About the CCA](https://cca.virginia.gov/about) [CCA Board of Directors](https://cca.virginia.gov/bod) [Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council](https://cca.virginia.gov/cphac) [Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board](https://cca.virginia.gov/cerb) [Reports and Studies](https://cca.virginia.gov/reports) [News](https://cca.virginia.gov/news) [Job Opportunities](https://jobs.virginia.gov/) Medical Cannabis Program [Overview](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis) [Patients, Parents, Legal Guardians, and Registered Agents](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/patients) [Healthcare Practitioners](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/providers) [Pharmaceutical Processors](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/processors) [Dispensary Locations](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/dispensaries) [Participating Practitioner List](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/practitionerlist) [CCA Portal](https://va-cca-public.nls.egov.com/login) [Data Dashboard](https://cca.virginia.gov/datadashboard) Cannabis Laws in Virginia [Overview](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws) [History of Cannabis Regulation in Virginia](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/history) [Adult Sharing vs. Illegal Exchanges](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/adultsharing) [Cannabis Mail and Travel Laws](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/mailtravel) [Cannabis Pop-up Shops](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/popupshops) Educational Resources [Overview](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources) [Understanding Cannabis](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/understanding) [Safe Driving Campaign](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/safedriving) [Talking About Cannabis - Parents](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/youthprevention-parents) [Talking About Cannabis - Teens](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/youthprevention-teens) [Talking About Cannabis - Young Adults](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/youngadults) [Responsible Adult Cannabis Consumption](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/adultuse) [Health Risks of Cannabis Consumption](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/risks) [Cannabis and Pregnancy](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/pregnancy) [Ancillary Effects of Cannabis Use](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/ancillaryeffects) [Secondhand Smoke Exposure](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/secondhandsmoke) [Medical Cannabis Storage and Disposal](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/storagedisposal) [Cannabis Use Disorder](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/usedisorder) [Guidance on Home Cultivation](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/homecultivation) Contact [Contact the CCA](https://cca.virginia.gov/contact) [Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)](https://cca.virginia.gov/contact/foia) [Social Media Rules of Engagement](https://cca.virginia.gov/socialmedia) [Search](https://cca.virginia.gov/search) Open Menu Close Menu [Folder: About](https://cca.virginia.gov/about-dropdown) [Folder: Medical Cannabis Program](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis-dropdown) [Folder: Cannabis Laws in Virginia](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws-dropdown) [Folder: Educational Resources](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources-dropdown) [Folder: Contact](https://cca.virginia.gov/contact-dropdown) [Search](https://cca.virginia.gov/search) [Back](https://cca.virginia.gov/) [About the CCA](https://cca.virginia.gov/about) [CCA Board of Directors](https://cca.virginia.gov/bod) [Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council](https://cca.virginia.gov/cphac) [Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board](https://cca.virginia.gov/cerb) [Reports and Studies](https://cca.virginia.gov/reports) [News](https://cca.virginia.gov/news) [Job Opportunities](https://jobs.virginia.gov/) [Back](https://cca.virginia.gov/) [Overview](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis) [Patients, Parents, Legal Guardians, and Registered Agents](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/patients) [Healthcare Practitioners](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/providers) [Pharmaceutical Processors](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/processors) [Dispensary Locations](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/dispensaries) [Participating Practitioner List](https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/practitionerlist) [CCA Portal](https://va-cca-public.nls.egov.com/login) [Data Dashboard](https://cca.virginia.gov/datadashboard) [Back](https://cca.virginia.gov/) [Overview](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws) [History of Cannabis Regulation in Virginia](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/history) [Adult Sharing vs. Illegal Exchanges](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/adultsharing) [Cannabis Mail and Travel Laws](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/mailtravel) [Cannabis Pop-up Shops](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/popupshops) [Back](https://cca.virginia.gov/) [Overview](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources) [Understanding Cannabis](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/understanding) [Safe Driving Campaign](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/safedriving) [Talking About Cannabis - Parents](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/youthprevention-parents) [Talking About Cannabis - Teens](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/youthprevention-teens) [Talking About Cannabis - Young Adults](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/youngadults) [Responsible Adult Cannabis Consumption](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/adultuse) [Health Risks of Cannabis Consumption](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/risks) [Cannabis and Pregnancy](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/pregnancy) [Ancillary Effects of Cannabis Use](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/ancillaryeffects) [Secondhand Smoke Exposure](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/secondhandsmoke) [Medical Cannabis Storage and Disposal](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/storagedisposal) [Cannabis Use Disorder](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/usedisorder) [Guidance on Home Cultivation](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/homecultivation) [Back](https://cca.virginia.gov/) [Contact the CCA](https://cca.virginia.gov/contact) [Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)](https://cca.virginia.gov/contact/foia) [Social Media Rules of Engagement](https://cca.virginia.gov/socialmedia) ![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664229cd06b6f9326d1e815c/683f2566-f436-441f-95a0-15e2e1fbc8df/logo+mark+pattern+green+fade+top+right+wide.png) # Cannabis Laws in Virginia Overview It can be hard to know what’s legal and what’s not when it comes to cannabis in Virginia. Read below to learn what’s okay and what could land you in trouble. On This Page - [What’s Legal and What’s Illegal?](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws#legal) - [Legal Consequences](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws#consequences) - [Statutes and Regulations](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws#statutes) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws#faq) PDF Downloads [Cannabis Laws in Virginia](https://virginiacca.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/CCA-Website-Files/IQB4MFeAI8AaTo-f1EGxpxKPAdR8tmuKW0bhHqy94BPQRNk?e=dAfB8P&download=1) [Cannabis en Virginia](https://virginiacca.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/CCA-Website-Files/IQC7RkFOy8LFTr7PotglN3goAYpUoCOaUHgvewakI-LFhuk?e=wcgVjR&download=1) ## What’s Legal? - Medical cannabis sold by a licensed pharmaceutical processor or dispensing facility - Possession of cannabis for personal use in your private residence - Public possession of up to 1 oz. of cannabis for personal use - [Home cultivation](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/homecultivation) of up to four cannabis plants. - [Adult-sharing](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/adultsharing) – the private transfer of 1 oz. or less of cannabis between people 21 years or older without exchanging anything else of value. ## What's Illegal? - Selling or buying adult-use cannabis. [Pop-up shops](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/popupshops) or other limited-time markets violate the law. - Growing plants visible to the public - Cultivating more than four plants at home - Driving under the influence of cannabis - Carrying cannabis while providing transportation services, such as a cab, Uber, or Lyft. - Storing cannabis that’s open and accessible to the passenger area of a vehicle. The passenger area includes: - Any area within reach of the driver - The area where passengers are seated - An unlocked glove compartment ## Legal Consequences Possession of cannabis outside of your personal residence can result in legal consequences. The penalty differs based on the amount of cannabis: - More than 1 oz. and up to 4 oz.: \$25 civil fine - More than 4 oz. and up to 1 lb.: Class 2 or Class 3 misdemeanor - More than 1 lb.: Felony and can result in a prison sentence of one to 10 years and a fine of up to \$250,000 ## Statutes and Regulations Check out the links below for additional information on laws and regulations related to Virginia’s medical cannabis program. - [Medical Cannabis Program Statutory Provisions](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title4.1/chapter16/) - [CCA Medical Cannabis Program Regulations](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title3/agency10/) (effective January 1, 2024) - [Title 40.1 – Labor and Employment - Discipline for Employee’s Medicinal Use of Cannabis Oil Prohibited](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title40.1/chapter3/section40.1-27.4/#v2/) Check out the links below for additional information on other laws regarding cannabis in Virginia. - [Cannabis Control Act](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title4.1/chapter6/) - [Penalties for Marijuana Sale and Distribution](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter7/section18.2-248.1) ## Frequently Asked Questions *The terms “marijuana” and “cannabis” are used interchangeably. Unless otherwise noted, on this website the term “marijuana” means marijuana in any form and stage of growth and includes all products made with marijuana.* - What became legal on July 1, 2021? - Adults 21 years and older may possess up to one ounce of cannabis on his person or in any public place. - 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 (see [guidance on home cultivation](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/homecultivation)).“Adult sharing” or transferring one ounce or less of cannabis between person who are 21 years or older without remuneration 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. - What is still illegal? - With the exception of possession by a person in his residence or possession by a licensee in the course of his duties related to such licensee’s cannabis establishment, any person who possesses on his person or in any public place. - 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 guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and, for a second or subsequent offense, a Class 2 misdemeanor and - More than one pound of cannabis or an equivalent amount of cannabis product as determined by regulation promulgated by the Board is guilty of 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. - It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume, purchase, or possess cannabis, or to attempt to consume, purchase, or possess any amount of cannabis. - It is illegal to distribute or sell cannabis, and/or to possess any amount of cannabis with the intent to distribute or sell it. This prohibition applies equally to businesses, which will not be permitted to sell, “gift,” or in any other way distribute cannabis. - It is illegal to use cannabis while driving a motor vehicle or while being 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. - It is illegal to consume cannabis or offer cannabis to another person in any public place. - Are non-medical sales to adults legal? No. The General Assembly did not reenact the legislative framework for creating an adult-use retail market. - Can I sell my home-grown marijuana to my friends? 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. On July 1, 2021, “adult sharing,” or transferring one ounce or less of cannabis between persons who are 21 years or older without remuneration, became 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. For more information on this topic, see our [guidance on home cultivation page](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/homecultivation). - Can I use cannabis in public? No. Using 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. - Can I drive while using cannabis? 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](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/safedriving) and sign the pledge to not drive high. - Can I travel with cannabis? It depends. **Air travel**: It is illegal under federal law to fly with cannabis products that contain more than 0.3% THC. If TSA officers discover cannabis during security screening, TSA is required to report law violations to local, state, or federal authorities. Flying with cannabis products over international borders is also illegal and falls under the jurisdiction of Customs and Border Protection. **Car travel**: It is illegal to use or consume cannabis or cannabis products while driving or being a passenger in a motor vehicle on a public highway in Virginia. It is also illegal to have an open container of cannabis in the passenger area of a vehicle. It is illegal under federal law to transport any cannabis across any state or territory lines. - Can I mail cannabis products? It is illegal under federal law to mail or receive by mail cannabis products that contain more than 0.3% THC. The United States Postal Service is subject to federal law. A person is liable to face consequences in both the state in which the package is received and the state from which the package was mailed. Private mailing companies also prohibited the mailing of cannabis, including: - UPS - FedEx - DHL - 10 Roads Express - I rent. Can I grow or consume cannabis at my residence? Property owners and landlords can prohibit cannabis consumption or cultivation in rental housing agreements. Tenants should check their lease agreements 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 the 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. - Will cannabis use affect my ability to purchase or own a firearm? Cannabis use can impact firearm ownership. To purchase a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, you must complete Form 4473 from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), which requires the person completing the form certify they are not a user of any Schedule I drugs, including cannabis. This also applies to medical cannabis users. Concealed carry permits also require this certification. Firearm owners are prohibited from selling ammunition or firearms to any person they know or “have reasonable cause to believe” uses cannabis. - Am I subject to workplace drug testing now that simple possession of small amounts of cannabis is legal? 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. - Will cannabis use affect my military benefits? 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 prescribed for PTSD, a condition that disproportionately impacts veterans and active service members. While federal legislation has been proposed to address this issue, Congress has not yet passed such legislation and active-duty military and veterans should research this issue before choosing to use medical cannabis or other cannabis. - Can cannabis use or employment in the cannabis industry affect my immigration status? 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. - How can I legally obtain cannabis plants? “Adult sharing,” or transferring one ounce or less of cannabis between person who are 21 years or older without remuneration is legal. This includes cannabis plant seeds and starts. For more information on this topic, visit out guidance on [home cultivation page](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/homecultivation). - Is there a cultivators/“cultivation only” license? No. There is only a licensing process for pharmaceutical processors. - How can I get a license to open a cannabis dispensary? The Virginia General Assembly has not reenacted the legislative framework for creating an adult-use retail market. Until the General Assembly passes legislation creating an adult-use retail market, there will not be a licensing process for retail dispensaries or other adult-use cannabis licenses. To open a medical cannabis dispensary, pharmaceutical processors may submit an application only during an open Notice of Open Applications (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. - I think someone is breaking cannabis laws. Who should I contact? At this time, the CCA does not have law enforcement authority. Please contact local, state, or federal law enforcement. ![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664229cd06b6f9326d1e815c/5519e495-d713-4831-a150-b315ec460320/logo+mark+pattern+green+fade+left+wide.png) ![Virginia Cannabis Control Authority logo](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664229cd06b6f9326d1e815c/b98acd7a-ec95-494e-88a6-fb81d9503424/CCA-Logo_Horizontal-Reversed-RGB.png) 9954 Mayland Drive, Suite 3100 Richmond, VA 23233 [info@cca.virginia.gov](mailto:info@cca.virginia.gov?) *** *As an independent, political subdivision, the Cannabis Control Authority promotes public safety, advances public health, and protects communities in the Commonwealth through effective medical cannabis oversight and balanced and inclusive cannabis regulation, policy, and education.* keyboard\_arrow\_up Top
Readable Markdown
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664229cd06b6f9326d1e815c/683f2566-f436-441f-95a0-15e2e1fbc8df/logo+mark+pattern+green+fade+top+right+wide.png) It can be hard to know what’s legal and what’s not when it comes to cannabis in Virginia. Read below to learn what’s okay and what could land you in trouble. ## What’s Legal? - Medical cannabis sold by a licensed pharmaceutical processor or dispensing facility - Possession of cannabis for personal use in your private residence - Public possession of up to 1 oz. of cannabis for personal use - [Home cultivation](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/homecultivation) of up to four cannabis plants. - [Adult-sharing](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/adultsharing) – the private transfer of 1 oz. or less of cannabis between people 21 years or older without exchanging anything else of value. ## What's Illegal? - Selling or buying adult-use cannabis. [Pop-up shops](https://cca.virginia.gov/laws/popupshops) or other limited-time markets violate the law. - Growing plants visible to the public - Cultivating more than four plants at home - Driving under the influence of cannabis - Carrying cannabis while providing transportation services, such as a cab, Uber, or Lyft. - Storing cannabis that’s open and accessible to the passenger area of a vehicle. The passenger area includes: - Any area within reach of the driver - The area where passengers are seated - An unlocked glove compartment ## Legal Consequences Possession of cannabis outside of your personal residence can result in legal consequences. The penalty differs based on the amount of cannabis: - More than 1 oz. and up to 4 oz.: \$25 civil fine - More than 4 oz. and up to 1 lb.: Class 2 or Class 3 misdemeanor - More than 1 lb.: Felony and can result in a prison sentence of one to 10 years and a fine of up to \$250,000 ## Frequently Asked Questions *The terms “marijuana” and “cannabis” are used interchangeably. Unless otherwise noted, on this website the term “marijuana” means marijuana in any form and stage of growth and includes all products made with marijuana.* - - Adults 21 years and older may possess up to one ounce of cannabis on his person or in any public place. - 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 (see [guidance on home cultivation](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/homecultivation)).“Adult sharing” or transferring one ounce or less of cannabis between person who are 21 years or older without remuneration 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. - - With the exception of possession by a person in his residence or possession by a licensee in the course of his duties related to such licensee’s cannabis establishment, any person who possesses on his person or in any public place. - 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 guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and, for a second or subsequent offense, a Class 2 misdemeanor and - More than one pound of cannabis or an equivalent amount of cannabis product as determined by regulation promulgated by the Board is guilty of 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. - It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume, purchase, or possess cannabis, or to attempt to consume, purchase, or possess any amount of cannabis. - It is illegal to distribute or sell cannabis, and/or to possess any amount of cannabis with the intent to distribute or sell it. This prohibition applies equally to businesses, which will not be permitted to sell, “gift,” or in any other way distribute cannabis. - It is illegal to use cannabis while driving a motor vehicle or while being 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. - It is illegal to consume cannabis or offer cannabis to another person in any public place. - No. The General Assembly did not reenact the legislative framework for creating an adult-use retail market. - 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. On July 1, 2021, “adult sharing,” or transferring one ounce or less of cannabis between persons who are 21 years or older without remuneration, became 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. For more information on this topic, see our [guidance on home cultivation page](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/homecultivation). - No. Using 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. - 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](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/safedriving) and sign the pledge to not drive high. - It depends. **Air travel**: It is illegal under federal law to fly with cannabis products that contain more than 0.3% THC. If TSA officers discover cannabis during security screening, TSA is required to report law violations to local, state, or federal authorities. Flying with cannabis products over international borders is also illegal and falls under the jurisdiction of Customs and Border Protection. **Car travel**: It is illegal to use or consume cannabis or cannabis products while driving or being a passenger in a motor vehicle on a public highway in Virginia. It is also illegal to have an open container of cannabis in the passenger area of a vehicle. It is illegal under federal law to transport any cannabis across any state or territory lines. - It is illegal under federal law to mail or receive by mail cannabis products that contain more than 0.3% THC. The United States Postal Service is subject to federal law. A person is liable to face consequences in both the state in which the package is received and the state from which the package was mailed. Private mailing companies also prohibited the mailing of cannabis, including: - UPS - FedEx - DHL - 10 Roads Express - Property owners and landlords can prohibit cannabis consumption or cultivation in rental housing agreements. Tenants should check their lease agreements 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 the 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. - Cannabis use can impact firearm ownership. To purchase a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, you must complete Form 4473 from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), which requires the person completing the form certify they are not a user of any Schedule I drugs, including cannabis. This also applies to medical cannabis users. Concealed carry permits also require this certification. Firearm owners are prohibited from selling ammunition or firearms to any person they know or “have reasonable cause to believe” uses cannabis. - 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. - 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 prescribed for PTSD, a condition that disproportionately impacts veterans and active service members. While federal legislation has been proposed to address this issue, Congress has not yet passed such legislation and active-duty military and veterans should research this issue before choosing to use medical cannabis or other cannabis. - 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. - “Adult sharing,” or transferring one ounce or less of cannabis between person who are 21 years or older without remuneration is legal. This includes cannabis plant seeds and starts. For more information on this topic, visit out guidance on [home cultivation page](https://cca.virginia.gov/resources/homecultivation). - No. There is only a licensing process for pharmaceutical processors. - The Virginia General Assembly has not reenacted the legislative framework for creating an adult-use retail market. Until the General Assembly passes legislation creating an adult-use retail market, there will not be a licensing process for retail dispensaries or other adult-use cannabis licenses. To open a medical cannabis dispensary, pharmaceutical processors may submit an application only during an open Notice of Open Applications (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. - At this time, the CCA does not have law enforcement authority. Please contact local, state, or federal law enforcement.
ML Classification
ML Categories
/Law_and_Government
98.9%
/Law_and_Government/Legal
98.3%
/Law_and_Government/Legal/Legal_Services
30.4%
/Health
15.5%
/Health/Substance_Abuse
10.8%
Raw JSON
{
    "/Law_and_Government": 989,
    "/Law_and_Government/Legal": 983,
    "/Law_and_Government/Legal/Legal_Services": 304,
    "/Health": 155,
    "/Health/Substance_Abuse": 108
}
ML Page Types
/Article
61.2%
/Article/FAQ
43.3%
Raw JSON
{
    "/Article": 612,
    "/Article/FAQ": 433
}
ML Intent Types
Informational
99.9%
Raw JSON
{
    "Informational": 999
}
Content Metadata
Languageen-us
Authornull
Publish Timenot set
Original Publish Time2024-09-27 18:05:18 (1 year ago)
RepublishedNo
Word Count (Total)2,637
Word Count (Content)1,864
Links
External Links8
Internal Links54
Technical SEO
Meta NofollowNo
Meta NoarchiveNo
JS RenderedYes
Redirect Targetnull
Performance
Download Time (ms)58
TTFB (ms)38
Download Size (bytes)42,199
Shard181 (laksa)
Root Hash8340905246862912181
Unparsed URLgov,virginia!cca,/laws s443