{"id":85377,"date":"2026-02-11T14:15:50","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T22:15:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/2026\/02\/11\/virginia-lawmakers-approve-marijuana-sales-legalization-and-resentencing-bills\/"},"modified":"2026-02-11T19:46:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T03:46:28","slug":"virginia-lawmakers-approve-marijuana-sales-legalization-and-resentencing-bills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/2026\/02\/11\/virginia-lawmakers-approve-marijuana-sales-legalization-and-resentencing-bills\/","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Sales Legalization And Resentencing Bills"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MM_Bill_Tracker_V5_blank-17.jpg\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1500\"> <\/p>\n<p>Virginia lawmakers have approved a bill to legalize marijuana sales, as well as separate legislation to provide a pathway for resentencing of past cannabis convictions.<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday, the Assembly Appropriations Committee passed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/virginia-lawmakers-approve-bill-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana-sales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">the marijuana sales legislation from Del. Paul Krizek (D)<\/a> in a 16-6 vote. This comes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/virginia-senators-approve-bills-to-legalize-marijuana-sales-and-provide-resentencing-relief-to-people-with-prior-convictions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">about a week after a similar measure advanced through a Senate panel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The Transportation and Public Safety Subcommittee had advanced the legislation with an amendment earlier in the day by a 5-2 vote.<\/p>\n<p>Krizek\u2019s bill, HB 642, largely aligns with recommendations released last month by the legislature\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/virginia-marijuana-commission-unveils-plan-to-legalize-adult-use-sales-under-new-pro-reform-governor\/\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Cannabis Retail Market<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Since legalizing cannabis possession and home cultivation in 2021,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/virginia-governor-signs-marijuana-legalization-bill-in-ceremonial-event-even-though-its-already-enacted\/\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Virginia lawmakers have worked to establish a commercial marijuana market<\/a>\u2014only to have those efforts consistently stalled under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who twice vetoed measures to enact it that were sent to his desk by the legislature.<\/p>\n<p>Under the measure as approved, adult-use cannabis sales could begin on November 1. That\u2019s shorter timeline compared to the Senate companion, which calls for sales to start on January 1, 2027.<\/p>\n<p>The subcommittee on Wednesday <a href=\"https:\/\/sg001-harmony.sliq.net\/00304\/Harmony\/en\/PowerBrowser\/PowerBrowserV2?fk=20523\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">adopted<\/a> a substitute version of the bill that changes several key details, including by adjusting tax rates and reducing the conversion fee that current medical cannabis businesses would need to pay in order to serve the recreational market.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are the key details of the Virginia House marijuana sales legalization <a href=\"https:\/\/lis.virginia.gov\/bill-details\/20261\/HB642\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">legislation<\/a> as amended:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Adults would be able to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in a single transaction, or up to an equivalent amount of other cannabis products as determined by regulators.<\/li>\n<li>The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would oversee licensing and regulation of the new industry. Its board of directors would have the authority to control possession, sale, transportation, distribution, delivery and testing of marijuana.<\/li>\n<li>There would be a six percent excise tax on the sale of marijuana products, and they would also be subject to the state\u2019s 5.3 percent retail sales and use tax. Local governments could levy an additional 3.5 percent tax.<\/li>\n<li>Tax revenue would be split between the costs of administering and enforcing the state\u2019s marijuana system, a new Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund, pre-kindergarten programs, substance use disorder prevention and treatment programs and public health programs such as awareness campaigns designed to prevent drug-impaired driving and discourage underage consumption.<\/li>\n<li>Local governments could not opt out of allowing marijuana businesses to operate in their area.<\/li>\n<li>Delivery services would be allowed.<\/li>\n<li>Serving sizes would be capped at 10 milligrams THC, with no more than 100 mg THC per package.<\/li>\n<li>Existing medical cannabis operators could enter the adult-use market if they pay a $5 million licensing conversion fee.<\/li>\n<li>Cannabis businesses would have to establish labor peace agreements with workers.<\/li>\n<li>A legislative commission would be directed to study adding on-site consumption licenses and microbusiness cannabis event permits that would allow licensees to conduct sales at venues like farmers markets or pop-up locations. It would also investigate the possibility of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority becoming involved in marijuana regulations and enforcement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Over in the Senate, a measure to legalize marijuana sales that\u2019s being sponsored by Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D), SB 542, moved through the Senate Courts of Justice Committee last week. However, it was amended in a way that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/virginia-senators-should-remove-new-marijuana-penalties-from-bill-to-legalize-sales-advocacy-groups-say\/\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">drew criticism from advocates over changes that would impose new penalties on certain cannabis-related activities<\/a>\u00a0such as underage possession and unlicensed cultivation of marijuana that could carry the threat of jail time.<\/p>\n<p>A coalition of reform groups has since sent a letter to the Senate Finance Committee, where the measure was transmitted, imploring members to roll back those amendments.<\/p>\n<p>Newly sworn-in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/virginias-incoming-governor-lists-priorities-she-wants-in-marijuana-sales-legalization-bill-if-shes-going-to-sign-it\/\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) supports legalizing adult-use marijuana sales<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the Senate Finance &amp; Appropriations Committee on Wednesday also passed a bill, <a href=\"https:\/\/lis.virginia.gov\/bill-details\/20261\/SB62\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SB 62<\/a>, from Sen. Louise Lucas (D) that would create a process by which people who are incarcerated or on community supervision for certain felony offenses involving the possession, manufacture, selling or distribution of marijuana could receive an automatic hearing to consider modification of their sentences.<\/p>\n<p>The panel passed the measure in a 10-4 vote.<\/p>\n<p>On the Assembly side, a companion version of the resentencing legislation, <a href=\"https:\/\/lis.virginia.gov\/bill-details\/20261\/HB26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HB 26<\/a> from Del. Rozia Henson (D), advanced through the Appropriations Committee in a 16-6 vote on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier in the day, the General Government and Capital Outlay Subcommittee approved the measure in a 3-1 vote.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0bill\u00a0applies to people whose convictions or adjudications are for conduct that occurred prior to July 1, 2021, when a state law legalizing personal possession and home cultivation of marijuana went into effect.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2014<br \/>\nMarijuana Moment is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/bills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills<\/a> in state legislatures and Congress this year. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/marijuanamoment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Patreon supporters<\/a> pledging at least $25\/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don\u2019t miss any developments.<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/bills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9128 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MM_Bill_Tracker_V5_blank-16.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Learn more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/bills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">marijuana bill tracker<\/a> and become a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/marijuanamoment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">supporter on Patreon<\/a> to get access.<br \/>\n\u2014<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Separately, the Virginia Senate on Tuesday approved a bill to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/virginia-lawmakers-approve-bills-to-expand-medical-marijuana-access-in-hospitals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">provide legal protections for hospital workers to facilitate the use of medical marijuana for patients with terminal illnesses<\/a> in their facilities, so long as cannabis is federally rescheduled.<\/p>\n<p>SB 332 would build upon existing state law protecting health professionals at hospices and nursing facilities that assist terminally ill patients in utilizing medical cannabis treatment. Those protections would be expanded to hospital workers.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mvp-content-main\" class=\"left relative\">\n<p>Separately, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry recently published a new\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/virginia-officials-publish-guidance-on-marijuana-consumers-workplace-rights\/\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">outlining workplace protections for cannabis consumers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mvp-content-bot\" class=\"left\">\n<div class=\"mvp-post-tags\"><em>Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer.<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/virginia-lawmakers-approve-marijuana-sales-legalization-and-resentencing-bills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Virginia Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Sales Legalization And Resentencing Bills<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Marijuana Moment<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#013;<br \/>\n&#013;<br \/>\nRead More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/virginia-lawmakers-approve-marijuana-sales-legalization-and-resentencing-bills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Virginia Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Sales Legalization And Resentencing Bills<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Virginia lawmakers have approved a bill to legalize marijuana sales, as well as separate legislation to provide a pathway for resentencing of past cannabis convictions. On Wednesday, the Assembly Appropriations Committee passed the marijuana sales legislation from Del. Paul Krizek (D) in a 16-6 vote. This comes about a week<span class=\"more-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/2026\/02\/11\/virginia-lawmakers-approve-marijuana-sales-legalization-and-resentencing-bills\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":458,"featured_media":85378,"comment_status":"false","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18,81],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85377"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/458"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=85377"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85377\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85379,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85377\/revisions\/85379"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85378"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85377"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=85377"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=85377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}