RICHMOND, VA (Rocktown Now) — Governor Abigail Spanberger, Senator Lashrecse Aird, and Delegate Paul Krizek announced Tuesday that they have reached a compromise agreement to establish a regulated adult-use cannabis market in Virginia, with retail sales scheduled to begin July 1, 2027.

The proposal, which will move through the state budget process, aims to strengthen consumer protections, enhance safeguards for children and teens, and provide opportunities for small businesses entering the emerging industry. The legislation would allow the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to spend the next year developing regulations, testing standards, and oversight procedures before sales begin.

Under the agreement, Virginia would issue up to 350 retail cannabis licenses, increase the legal possession limit from one ounce to two ounces, and dedicate cannabis tax revenue to early childhood education, K-12 schools, behavioral health programs, and the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund. The proposal would also impose stricter penalties for underage sales, require child-resistant packaging, and close what lawmakers described as a loophole allowing the sale of intoxicating hemp products with limited oversight.

State leaders said the compromise is designed to replace the illicit cannabis market with a legal system focused on public safety, responsible regulation, and economic opportunity for Virginia entrepreneurs.