Virginia Recreational Dispensaries
The journey to cannabis legalization in Virginia has been rocky. The Old Dominion made history on July 1, 2021, as the first Southern state to legalize recreational cannabis for adult use. However, progress has since stalled; depending on who you ask, it might even be going backward.
Despite predictions of over $300 million a year in recreational marijuana tax revenue, lawmakers are yet to put in place a framework for retail sales. This has left many Virginia locals wondering where they can buy cannabis products for recreational use today.
Join us as we explore your options and why many Virginians, especially those in Northern Virginia cities and towns like Arlington, Alexandria, Vienna, and Richmond, are heading to Washington, DC, for their cannabis needs.
Is Marijuana Legal in Virginia?
Yes, but with some restrictions. By the letter of the law, both recreational and medical cannabis are perfectly legalized as well as decriminalized. However, you still can’t actually purchase legal cannabis from anywhere other than a medical dispensary in the Commonwealth without breaking the law.
Obviously, this is confusing for many just looking to enjoy some cannabis without breaking the law. Let’s make it easier by breaking down what’s currently legal and what isn’t:
What’s Legal:
Adults 21+ can legally possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis.
Home cultivation of up to 4 marijuana plants per household is allowed.
Cannabis gifting between adults is legal under the “adult sharing” program without the exchange of money.
Medical marijuana for qualifying medical cannabis patients
What’s Not Legal:
Recreational cannabis retail sales remain illegal.
Selling homegrown cannabis for profit is prohibited.
Public consumption of cannabis is not allowed.
Possessing more than 1 ounce of cannabis (in public) can result in a $25 fine.
Attempting to sell or distribute cannabis can lead to severe penalties, including a Class 5 felony.
Want more details on cannabis legality in Virginia? Virginia’s NORML chapter and the Commonwealth’s cannabis guidelines offer excellent resources for understanding what you can and cannot do.
Buying Recreational Weed In Virginia
As we have seen, recreational sales remain illegal. So right now, the only options you have for getting any legal weed in the Commonwealth of Virginia are:
You can also be gifted it as part of another purchase by a generous home grower via their “adult sharing” program.
Through licensed medical marijuana dispensaries. If you are a medical cannabis patient with a valid written certification from a Board of Pharmacy registered practitioner. However, this process is time-consuming and costly, with high product prices in licensed dispensaries.
Lastly, you can grow your own plants. As mentioned above, up to four plants per household are allowed.
In short, you don’t have many options. The closest Virginians got to legally buying weed was in 2024. A retail marijuana market bill had passed the legislature, but unfortunately, Gov. Youngkin vetoed it.
Will we see a second shot on legalization under the new governor, Patrick Morrisey’s administration? Maybe, maybe not.
For now, if you live in Northern Virginia or Maryland, you can instead utilize the I-71 gifting policy to get your hands on some recreational weed.
If you’ve gotten recreational weed in DC before, like from us here at Gifted Curators, you know how this process works. The only difference is that, unlike in DC, there are no shops or recreational dispensaries in Northern Virginia.
You’ll find it easier to get the cannabis products you want in DC. Crossing the border and buying what you need is simpler, cheaper, and quicker.
It’s a quick 10-minute drive into the city in one of the safest and most popular areas with parking, Adams Morgan. Stop by and pick up your recreational gifted cannabis.
How Much Recreational Weed Can You Have In Virginia?
As mentioned, recreational cannabis is both legal and decriminalized in Virginia. So, the penalties for getting caught with some are minimal. As long as you’re holding less than 1 ounce of marijuana, you have nothing to worry about.
If you’re holding more than an ounce, you’ll be forced to pay a minor $25 fine and will likely get that cannabis confiscated by law enforcement in the process.
The laws are even lax when it comes to home growing, with no actual penalty on the books if you’re growing and cultivating more than 4 plants at a time.
As long as the plants are out of sight, you’re legal. Keep a tag on the plant with your name, driver’s license number, and a note that the plant is for personal use. Also, the plants should be secured from anyone under 21.
Where you can get into serious legal trouble, however, is if you get caught trying to buy or sell cannabis.
Suppose the state thinks you intend to profit from selling over an ounce of cannabis, not using the legal “adult sharing”rule. In that case, you’ll face a Class 5 felony. This carries up to ten years in jail and a big fine. If you happen to have higher amounts of cannabis, you’ll face even stiffer penalties.
Can Virginia Locals Buy Weed In Washington DC?
Absolutely! Virginia residents can take a quick 10-minute drive into DC and legally access cannabis through the I-71 gifting process. Here’s how it works:
Bring cash, as most dispensaries in DC operate cash-only, but ATMs are available on-site if needed.
Bring a government-issued ID proving you are over 21. Out-of-state IDs are accepted, so there is no need to worry about residency.
Visit a reputable licensed dispensary like Gifted Curators in Adams Morgan.
Select a product, such as artwork, merchandise, or other available items. Your cannabis is legally gifted to you as part of this transaction.
Use proper terminology during your visit. You’re not “buying” cannabis. You’re participating in a legal giftingprogram.
In short, you’d be better off coming to Gifted Curators in DC and picking up some top-notch cannabis products from us. It’s easier, safer, and will take much less effort than finding somewhere to get weed in Northern Virginia without a written certification from a doctor.
Types of Cannabis Products in Dispensaries
Curious about what you can get? Discover a wide range of marijuana products offered at shops like Gifted Curators:
Edibles: Got a sweet tooth? Delicious options like gummies, chocolates, and even THC-infused beverages are some of the tastiest(and discreet) ways to enjoy cannabis. Favorites include fruit-flavored gummies and decadent dark chocolate bars.
Pre-rolls: Prerolls are ready-to-smoke joints. A food choice for you if you are a beginner who can’t roll or anyone looking to save time and jump right into smoking.
Vapes: DC also has some of the finest vape options. You will find all kinds of tantalizing flavors that you can easily enjoy on the go.
Cannabis flower: Of course, cannabis flower remains stable for many enthusiasts. You are spoilt for choice with a generous selection of strains, including the ever-popular Blue Dream and the relaxing Granddaddy Purple.
Concentrates: If you have high tolerance, concentrates like wax, shatter, and resin deliver intense effects.
Cannabis accessories: And lastly, the essentials! Whether you want grinders, pipes, rolling papers, or odor-proof storage solutions, they are available to elevate your cannabis experience.
FAQ:
Does Virginia have dispensaries for recreational use?
Not yet. Only medical cannabis dispensaries are operational, while recreational sales remain illegal. The best option for recreational cannabis is to head to DC and get weed via I-71 gifting from participating dispensaries like Gifted Curators.
Do You Need ID for Dispensary in Virginia Beach?
Yes, you need a government-issued ID proving you are 21 or older to access medical marijuana dispensaries in Virginia Beach. For recreational cannabis, your best option is DC, where an ID is also required, but no medical marijuana card is needed.
Do I need a medical marijuana card to buy weed in Virginia?
No, as of July 1, 2022, you do not need a medical marijuana card to purchase medical cannabis in Virginia. However, you still need a valid written certification from a Board of Pharmacy registered practitioner and a government-issued ID.
When will Virginia dispensaries open
Virginia’s retail dispensaries were set to open in 2024. But, legislative setbacks have delayed them indefinitely. Governor Youngkin vetoed the key bills needed to implement the retail framework that had passed the legislature. That said, the future of recreational marijuana sales in Virginia remains uncertain for now.
Cannabis Dispensary near me in northern Virginia?
Unfortunately, there are no recreational cannabis dispensaries in Northern Virginia. The good news? DC is just a short drive away, where you can get to shops like Gifted Curators and legally get cannabis products through gifting.
Are Virginia medical marijuana dispensaries able to sell weed to minors?
No, medical cannabis dispensaries in Virginia are prohibited from selling to minors. However, minors with qualifying medical conditions can access medical cannabis products through a designated caregiver, usually a parent or legal guardian. The caregiver must also register with the state’s medical cannabis program.
