Virginia Code section 4.1-1100 makes a limited public possession of marijuana lawful for a person 21 or older. The Cannabis Control Authority says buying and selling adult-use cannabis is not lawful.
This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Laws and local rules change. Read the official sources at the bottom of this page.
Cannabis-friendly lawyers in Virginia
Listed October 2026
These firms and attorneys are listed in the NORML lawyer directory for Virginia. Cities and phone numbers below are taken from those listings.
Marijuana lawyers
Morring Law, PLLC NORML directory
Charlene A. Morring · Norfolk
Listed in the NORML lawyer directory for Virginia as a marijuana lawyer in Norfolk.
Source: NORML listing
The Daniel Law Firm PC NORML directory
Tyson Daniel · Roanoke
Listed in the NORML lawyer directory for Virginia as a marijuana lawyer in Roanoke.
Source: NORML listing
Vicente LLP NORML directory
Charles Alovisetti · Arlington
Listed in the NORML lawyer directory for Virginia as a marijuana lawyer in Arlington.
Source: NORML listing
Criminal defense
These lawyers defend cannabis and marijuana charges in Virginia.
Bounds & Bounds, PLLC
Richmond
At Bounds & Bounds, PLLC, we represent individuals facing cannabis-related investigations and prosecutions involving: Marijuana possession.
Anthony L. Montagna, III
Norfolk
When accused of committing a drug crime like possession of marijuana, possession of heroin or cocaine, or possession with intent to distribute (PWID) marijuana, heroin or cocaine in Norfolk, VA.
Starting a cannabis business
These lawyers help with licensing, forming a company, and compliance for a cannabis business in Virginia.
Bounds & Bounds, PLLC
Richmond
Our Cannabis Business Law attorneys provide practical legal guidance to cannabis-related businesses involving: Business formation and corporate governance.
Not a referral. This list is not an endorsement, and there is no paid placement. We have not verified bar standing or discipline history. Before you hire anyone, confirm them through the Virginia Lawyer Directory.
Store map
- Medical dispensaries are on the map. A medical card is required. No adult-use stores in Virginia yet.
Possession
- A person 21 or older may lawfully possess, on his or her person or in any public place, not more than two ounces of marijuana or an equivalent amount of marijuana product set by Board regulation.
- Possession in public above that amount, and not above the higher thresholds in the section, is a civil penalty of no more than $25.
- Except for possession in a residence or by a licensee in the course of the license, more than four ounces but not more than one pound is a Class 3 misdemeanor and, for a second or subsequent offense, a Class 2 misdemeanor.
- More than one pound is a felony punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 10 years and a fine of not more than $250,000, or both.
Retail sales and home cultivation
- The Cannabis Control Authority says medical cannabis sold by a licensed pharmaceutical processor or dispensing facility is legal.
- The authority says public possession of up to 2 ounces for personal use is legal, and so is possession for personal use in a private residence.
- The authority says home cultivation of up to four cannabis plants is legal, and that growing plants visible to the public is not.
- The authority says selling or buying adult-use cannabis is illegal, and that a pop-up shop or other limited-time market violates the law.
- The authority says adult-sharing is the private transfer of 2 ounces or less between people 21 or older without exchanging anything else of value.
- The authority says driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal.