Virginia Legislators Hear Testimony for Recreational Marijuana

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Virginia lawmakers are once again revisiting the idea of creating a legal market for recreational marijuana. Although adults have been allowed to possess and grow small amounts since 2021, the only way to access marijuana dispensaries is with a medical card. That could change soon, as legislators continue discussing how to safely and fairly launch a regulated retail system.

Lawmakers Take a Closer Look at Legal Sales

On October 24, 2025, members of Virginia’s Joint Commission on Cannabis Oversight met to hear testimony from advocates, business owners, and policy experts on what a recreational marijuana market could look like. The discussion focused on whether it’s finally time to move forward with a framework that allows adults 21 and older to purchase marijuana legally.

Supporters of legalization urged lawmakers to act, saying that Virginia’s delay has allowed an unregulated market to thrive. They argued that setting up a retail system would make it easier to keep products safe and ensure sales are limited to adults.

Experts also shared data showing that regulated markets in other states have helped reduce illicit sales, generated tax revenue, and provided funding for community programs. However, they cautioned that the details of how Virginia sets up its system will determine whether it succeeds.

Key Issues Discussed

During the hearing, several main topics came up that lawmakers will have to consider if they move forward with legalization:

• Public Safety and Product Testing: Testimony from a forensic toxicologist highlighted the dangers of unregulated products currently being sold in Virginia. Without testing requirements, many products could contain contaminants or inaccurate THC levels. A legal system would ensure that all marijuana sold is properly labeled and tested for safety.

• Social Equity: Many speakers emphasized that the new market should provide opportunities to people and communities who were most affected by marijuana criminalization in the past. Lawmakers are being urged to include programs that support small business owners and help ensure the industry isn’t dominated by large, out-of-state companies.

• Tax Structure and Local Control: Lawmakers are debating how much to tax marijuana products and whether cities and counties should be able to decide if retail stores are allowed in their areas. The wrong balance could either hurt small businesses or fail to generate the revenue needed for community reinvestment. In other states, it's common that recreational marijuana is taxed at a higher rate than medical sales.

• Governor’s Opposition: Governor Glenn Youngkin has opposed moving forward with recreational sales, citing concerns about public safety and enforcement. His position could play a major role in whether or not a legalization bill becomes law next year.

What This Means for Virginians

For now, possession and home cultivation of limited amounts of marijuana remain legal for adults, but there is still no legal way to buy marijuana in Virginia without a medical card.

Virginia’s medical marijuana program, however, continues to operate legally and provides access to regulated, lab-tested products. Any condition qualifies for medical use if a licensed healthcare provider determines that marijuana may benefit the patient’s health or quality of life. This flexibility allows Virginians to access medical treatment safely through licensed dispensaries while recreational sales remain unavailable.

If lawmakers approve a recreational market in the next legislative session, Virginia would begin setting up licensing rules, safety testing standards, and retail regulations. That process could take months, meaning legal sales likely wouldn’t begin until 2026 or later.

Why It’s Important to Have a Virginia Marijuana Card

Having a Virginia Marijuana Card provides several important benefits:

• Legal Access: Only registered patients can currently purchase marijuana from licensed dispensaries in Virginia. A medical card allows you to buy regulated, lab-tested products safely and legally.

• Professional Guidance: At Virginia Marijuana Card, our certified medical providers take the time to understand your individual needs and recommend the best marijuana products, dosages, and forms to help you find relief. This personalized care ensures safe, effective treatment options.

The Path Ahead

The Joint Commission is expected to draft recommendations before the start of the 2026 General Assembly session. Lawmakers will then decide whether to introduce new legislation that would officially establish a retail market for adult-use marijuana.

Looking Forward

Virginia’s journey toward full legalization has been a long one, and this latest hearing could be the push that gets the process moving again. The testimony made it clear that many experts, advocates, and business owners believe a legal market is not only possible but necessary for public safety and fairness.

Whether or not 2026 becomes the year recreational marijuana sales begin will depend on what lawmakers decide in the upcoming session, and whether the governor is willing to support the change. For now, patients will continue to need a medical marijuana card to access the products they rely on for relief.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today

Lucky for you, medical marijuana is already available in Virginia! You can get your medical marijuana card and access dispensaries today! 

Recreational marijuana is legal in Virginia, but it does not mean much since there are no recreational dispensaries to purchase products from.

If you don’t already have your card, no worries. We can help! If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, there is a good chance you would qualify for your medical card in the State of Virginia. There’s no list of qualifying conditions, so anyone with a medical condition could get a medical marijuana card! With telemedicine, it is now easier than ever to get your medical card from the comfort of your own home!

Schedule an evaluation online today, and we’ll make an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors.

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Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Virginia Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Virginia’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.

Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (888) 633-5808 or schedule your evaluation today

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