Virginia Cannabis Authority Opens Survey on Retail Market Rules

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority is asking the public and stakeholders to weigh in on future retail marijuana regulations through a new survey open through July 21.

The agency announced the survey July 6. It will use the responses as it writes rules for the retail market, which opens July 1, 2027, according to the release.

“This is about making sure we hear directly from the people who are closest to the work and the impacts.” — Jamie Patten

“Stakeholder feedback is an important part of our process as we work to develop regulations that protect public safety, advance public health, and support a well-regulated cannabis market,” said Patten, whose title the release did not identify.

The CCA said it wants to hear about day-to-day business realities, how the rules could affect those covered by them, consumer interests and other issues tied to the coming retail framework. The survey sits on the agency’s website, and the agency said it will review responses as it develops the regulations.

Virginia is in the middle of remaking its marijuana and hemp laws. Following action by the 2026 General Assembly and Gov. Abigail Spanberger, House Bill 30 authorized retail marijuana sales beginning July 1, 2027, the CCA said in a July 1 release. The agency will develop regulations and set up a licensing process for businesses that want to participate.

Under the same law, oversight of regulated hemp products moves from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to the CCA. Both agencies expect the transfer in August, and current hemp retail registrations stay valid until they expire, the CCA said.

Starting Aug. 15, no one can produce or sell a hemp product with more than two milligrams of total THC per package in Virginia. The law eliminates the “25:1 ratio” that let products exceed that limit if they contained 25 parts CBD for every one part THC.

Under Senate Bill 543, the CCA can now act against unlicensed cannabis and hemp businesses, including issuing notices of violation, cease and desist orders and civil penalties. New legislation also requires the agency to create an official decal for licensed retailers to display in stores.