Virginia Recreational Sales: Vetoed Once Again

Virginia made history in 2021 by becoming the first Southern state to legalize recreational marijuana possession. But here we are, years later, and Virginians still have no legal way of purchasing recreational marijuana. Despite the will of voters and the groundwork laid by previous leadership, efforts to establish a regulated adult-use marketplace have once again been vetoed, stalling progress and leaving thousands in limbo.

If you're wondering how to legally access marijuana in Virginia today, there's only one answer: get a medical marijuana card.

Governor Youngkin Shuts the Door…Again

In March 2025, for the second year in a row, Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed key bills that would have finally launched recreational marijuana sales in Virginia. The bills, SB 970 and HB 2485, were designed to create a regulated system for adult-use marijuana, including licensing dispensaries and implementing safety standards.

Youngkin also vetoed bills aimed at broader criminal justice reform in the marijuana space:

• HB 2613: Aimed at protecting families from being penalized over legal marijuana use.

• HB 2555: Would have allowed for cannabis resentencing to undo the harm of previous convictions.

He also demanded amendments to medical marijuana revisions (HB 1989) and expungement reform (HB 2723 and SB 1466). His refusal to support any significant marijuana policy reforms has stalled Virginia's progress and left adult users without a legal marketplace.

What This Means for Virginians

While recreational marijuana possession is technically legal for adults over 21 in Virginia, there’s still no legal way to buy it. 

Right now, you can’t walk into a recreational dispensary to purchase marijuana, you can’t legally buy it online for adult use, and you can’t possess more than one ounce without risking legal consequences. Selling marijuana without a license is also illegal unless you’re a licensed medical dispensary. This confusing legal gray area has left many Virginians frustrated, especially as neighboring states continue to move forward with regulated recreational markets.

Currently, the only legal way to access marijuana in Virginia is through the state’s medical marijuana program. Fortunately, becoming a medical marijuana patient is more accessible than ever. 

To qualify, patients need to get a recommendation from a registered healthcare provider, apply through the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, and receive a Virginia medical marijuana card. That’s where we come in! With that card in hand, patients can legally visit licensed dispensaries throughout the state and purchase regulated, lab-tested marijuana products designed for medical use.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Even though many Virginians are hopeful that the next governor will support a recreational market, 2026 is still far away. Governor Youngkin’s term ends in January 2026, and while his departure may bring change, Virginians need access now.

Here’s why you shouldn’t wait for recreational dispensaries to open:

• Medical marijuana is already available and legal at licensed dispensaries.

• Medical card holders receive legal protection when purchasing and possessing marijuana.

• You’ll have access to a wider variety of products, including high-potency options tailored for therapeutic use.

Delaying access by waiting for recreational reform means staying in legal limbo. With a Virginia medical marijuana card, you can skip the wait and stay protected under current law.

The Political Outlook

Governor Youngkin’s repeated vetoes make it clear that marijuana reform isn’t a priority on his agenda, despite strong public support and progress in the legislature. The silver lining: he can’t run for consecutive terms. This means Virginians will head to the polls in November 2025 to elect a new governor, who will take office in January 2026.

Cannabis advocates remain hopeful that new leadership will align with the will of the people and finally move forward with establishing a regulated recreational marijuana market. In the meantime, Virginia’s marijuana laws remain up in the air, and medical marijuana continues to be the only safe and legal option for residents.

If you care about marijuana access and reform in Virginia, now is the time to take action. Make sure you're registered to vote in the upcoming gubernatorial election. Talk to your community about the current state of marijuana laws and help others understand what’s at stake. Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to apply for a medical marijuana card, so they can stay protected under the law. Every single vote in 2025 will help shape the future of marijuana access in Virginia for years to come.

Where to Find Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Virginia

Virginia currently has several state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries serving patients with medical cards. Here are a few locations:

• Beyond/Hello – Manassas, Richmond, and Sterling

• RISE – Abingdon, Christiansburg, Lynchburg, and Salem

• Green Leaf Medical of Virginia – Richmond

• Columbia Care – Portsmouth and Virginia Beach

These dispensaries offer a full range of medical marijuana products including flower, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and vape cartridges—all rigorously tested for safety and quality.

Don’t Wait for What’s Not Here Yet

Virginia’s legalization of marijuana possession was a bold step forward, but without a regulated sales system, it’s only half a victory. Governor Youngkin’s continued vetoes have delayed the full implementation of recreational marijuana laws, leaving residents with no way to legally purchase marijuana for adult use.

That’s why getting a medical marijuana card in Virginia isn’t just a smart move, it’s the only legal option for safe, regulated access.

While the next election offers hope for a more marijuana-friendly administration, your health and legal safety shouldn’t wait. Take control today by exploring Virginia’s medical marijuana program and securing access to the products you need.

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 if you have a qualifying condition.

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

There are also countless benefits to having your medical card in a recreational state! You will save money on taxes and marijuana products, and you will enjoy higher possession and purchase limits if you have your medical card in Virginia!

In order to qualify for your medical marijuana card, you will need to have a condition that makes you eligible. If you aren’t sure if you would qualify, give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have about the process.

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. With telemedicine, it is now easier than ever to get your medical card from the comfort of your own home!

In Virginia, any inhibiting condition could qualify you for your medical card. If you don’t already have it, we can help! 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, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness

safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on

education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by

providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!