In Virginia, it is illegal for anyone younger than 21 years old to purchase, possess, or use cannabis.

The only exception to this prohibition is for medical cannabis patients. Patients under 21 years old may access the medical cannabis program only with the assistance of their parent/legal guardian and after certification by their health care provider.

Violating this law can result in a civil penalty and required admission into a substance abuse treatment and/or education program.

It is illegal to possess or use cannabis on school grounds or at school activities. Violating this law can result in a fine of up to $1000 and/or jail time.

Using cannabis in a car - even as a passenger - is illegal and can lead to a Class 4 Misdemeanor. Driving under the influence (DUI) of cannabis is also illegal. A DUI charge can result in jail time and/or a fine. In addition, even a first-time DUI offense results in the loss of driving privileges for one year.

In the News

Cannabis Updates

Retail Cannabis Framework
Future in Virginia's Retail Market
Early Market Access
What will change if the US reclassifies marijuana?
What does a cannabis market in VA look like?
Cannabis Retailer

Best Practices and Guidelines

As of January 2026, Virginia must seize the critical opportunity to implement a "gold standard" retail cannabis legislation. Drawing from decades of evidence-based practices, this framework will proactively mitigate health risks to the people of the Commonwealth.

Virginia Cannabis Architects And Facility Designs 1024X683
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare

Cannabis Tip Sheets Series

Navigating the Complexities of Cannabis Use Among Parents and Adolescents in Child Welfare Services

A broad overview for all professionals working with children, parents, and their family members. Details include the shifting legal landscape of cannabis in states, how cannabis use affects families, and practice considerations for professionals.

Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

This tip sheet provides information about the effects of cannabis use on fetal and neonatal health, how to develop a Plan of Safe Care (POSC) and offers approaches to responding to prenatal use.

Cannabis Use

This tip sheet outlines the environmental safety and risk concerns for children and adolescents when parents or caregivers use cannabis. Tips include strategies and approaches professionals can use to mitigate risk and build parental capacity.

Cannabis and Youth Involved in the Child Welfare System

This tip sheet describes the risk of cannabis use on adolescent development and provides strategies to engage youth who are at risk of or involved with the child welfare system and using cannabis.

Navigating the Complexities of Cannabis Use Among Parents and Adolescents in Child Welfare Services

A broad overview for all professionals working with children, parents, and their family members. Details include the shifting legal landscape of cannabis in states, how cannabis use affects families, and practice considerations for professionals.

Cannabis Use

This tip sheet outlines the environmental safety and risk concerns for children and adolescents when parents or caregivers use cannabis. Tips include strategies and approaches professionals can use to mitigate risk and build parental capacity.

Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

This tip sheet provides information about the effects of cannabis use on fetal and neonatal health, how to develop a Plan of Safe Care (POSC) and offers approaches to responding to prenatal use.

Cannabis and Youth Involved in the Child Welfare System

This tip sheet describes the risk of cannabis use on adolescent development and provides strategies to engage youth who are at risk of or involved with the child welfare system and using cannabis.

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Office of Hemp Enforcement

In 2023, the Office of Hemp Enforcement was formed to enforce the new requirements for certain hemp-derived products. The purpose of this program is to develop and enhance the hemp products industry by implementing and maintaining consistent regulatory oversight of hemp products for human consumption to promote protection of public health.

Hemp Fabric 1 Scaled
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)

Hemp Resources

Questions about Hemp?