Virginia Marijuana Information
Quick FAQs
Despite the legalization of marijuana being strongly supported by Virginians, with 62% of residents supporting recreational marijuana legalization and 86% supporting medical marijuana legalization, marijuana is still very much illegal in Virginia. Like many other conservative states, though, Virginia does have a very limited medical marijuana law. House Bill 1445 was passed in 2015 and it allows patients with epilepsy to avoid a conviction for certain low-THC medical cannabis oils. However, Virginia does not currently have any marijuana cultivation centers, so qualifying patients must obtain their medicine from a dispensary in a medical marijuana state that allows for out-of-state patients.
Marijuana has not even been decriminalized in Virginia, so the penalties for marijuana possession are still very strict. Possession of less than a half ounce of marijuana is a simple possession charge punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or up to a $500 fine. Punishment for the sale of marijuana is extremely harsh – a third offense for selling is punishable by a minimum of 5 years in prison and up to a life sentence. In upcoming legislative sessions, pro-marijuana Virginia lawmakers should be looking to relax marijuana possession penalties at the very least.
Despite some very high levels of support for medical and marijuana legalization by Virginians, Virginia is still one of the strictest states in the union for marijuana because of the very harsh penalties for possession and sale of marijuana. There is currently no legislation pending to legalize medical or recreational marijuana.
Kush encourages extreme discretion for all travelers. If you do partake while traveling, don’t drive while high – you can be convicted of a DUI for driving under the influence of marijuana. If you find yourself in a pinch with the law, check out our Virginia Cannabis Lawyers page for help!
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Virginia FAQ
Is Marijuana legal in Virginia?
Both medical marijuana and recreational marijuana are illegal in Virginia. However, Virginia does have a limited medical marijuana bill, House Bill 1445, that allows the use of high-CBD, low-THC cannabis oil for patients with epilepsy. Patients are protected from a possession conviction, but not protected from arrest.
Where can I buy marijuana?
There are currently no legal outlets in Virginia where residents can purchase marijuana or marijuana products, including patients who qualify for cannabis oil under HB 1445.
How can I help legalize marijuana in Virginia?
If you’re part of the 86% of Virginians who wants to legalize medical marijuana, contact your elected officials to ask for the medical marijuana bill to be expanded to help the state’s sick residents.
Is there any legislation trying to legalize recreational or medical cannabis in Virginia?
There is currently no legislation attempting to legalize either medical or recreational marijuana in Virginia.
How much will it cost if it is legalized?
The price of marijuana will vary based on strain and quality, and it will also vary depending on the tax rate that is set in Virginia. Based on other legalized states, you can expect prices to be between $10 to $30 per gram.
What types of marijuana will the stores sell?
This is all dependent on the specific law that is eventually passed in Virginia, but in general, this is an overview of what stores in states with legalized marijuana carry. You will see a number of different flower strains categorized by their strains ranging from strong Indicas to strong Sativas and everything in between. Each strain can have different effects, so be sure to ask the bud tender for assistance in choosing a marijuana strain with the best effects for you. Strong Sativas strains are known for their general uplifting, energizing, and head high effects while Indicas are known for their full body highs and sedative effects.
Dispensaries will also sell a number of other types of marijuana products, including but not limited to:
- Concentrates: essential oils of the cannabis plant. Warning: these can be very potent!
- Edibles: Cannabis infused foods, candies, or drinks. Warning: edibles can be very potent! Be sure to check the serving size before enjoying. Remember that it can take up to an hour for the effects to hit, so be cautious.
- Seeds: seeds that can be used to grow your own marijuana plants. Stores will have many different strains of Indicas and Sativas.
- Transdermal Products: also known as topicals, this category includes creams, lotions, massage oils and such infused with cannabis. These products are not psychoactive and will not get you high.
- Clones: these are healthy seedlings that are ready be grown into mature marijuana plants.
What is the punishment if I’m caught with marijuana?
Virginia has harsh penalties for marijuana possession. Less than a half ounce is a simple possession charge that can result in up to 30 days in jail and up to a $500 fine.
If marijuana gets legalized, can I still get in trouble?
Yes. You can always get in trouble at the federal level, even if medical or recreational marijuana gets legalized in Virginia. Even patients who qualify for medical marijuana under HB 1445 can be arrested for possession – the bill only saves you from conviction, so be sure to be discreet. Make sure to always follow the laws of the state you are in! If you find yourself in a pinch with the law, check out our Virginia Cannabis Lawyers page for help!
Nothing on this website should be considered legal advice or as a substitute for legal advice. Please respect the current state of Marijuana law in your area.
