Skyline Drive · NPS
Virginia cannabis law
Cannabis laws and regulations.
Virginia has begun the long-awaited process of rewriting its laws on cannabis manufacturing, distribution, sale, and use. What this means for you depends on whether you plan to use, buy, or sell cannabis, or seek a state license for a small business entering the legal recreational or medicinal market. Jarvis Law helps small business owners navigate the licensing process.
Discuss cannabis licensingClient advisory · October 9, 2026
Cannabis Taxation and Section 280E
Read the firm’s client advisory on cannabis-related expense deductions and prior-year refunds, including its filing recommendation and a printable PDF.
Areas of assistance
The legal work behind a cannabis business.
Advising cannabis businesses involves several areas of law. As businesses work toward licensure, they must follow requirements set by the Cannabis Control Authority. Our assistance covers the following areas:
Cannabis regulations
Business formation
Labor and employment
Land use and zoning
Contracts
Intellectual property
Licensing, from formation to final approval
Mergers, acquisitions, and franchising
Security
We are situated at the western edge of Northern Virginia and the northern tip of the Shenandoah Valley, convenient for those traveling via Interstate 66 and Interstate 81.
Virginia’s regulatory roadmap
Three dates for the adult-use market.
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) is developing the regulatory framework for the adult-use retail market. Its published timeline, reviewed October 9, 2026, identifies these milestones. Application openings depend on the license category; prospective applicants should check the CCA’s current requirements.
By February 1, 2027
Conversion applications for pharmaceutical processors and industrial hemp processors or growers are scheduled to open, along with the application process for some microbusiness licenses.
By May 1, 2027
The CCA’s deadline to issue certain initial licenses. This milestone does not mean that every license category opens or that every applicant will receive an award on that date.
July 1, 2027
Retail adult-use marijuana sales are scheduled to begin.
Source: CCA retail marijuana market timeline. Consult the CCA for current regulations and application notices.
Cannabis video series
Watch the series.
Explore the two-part cannabis video series from Jarvis Law.
Working with Jarvis Law
Support as your business takes shape.
Business formation
Where possible, we begin working with owners at the formation stage.
Business planning
We continue to support licensees as they develop their business plans.
Facility development
Our support continues as licensees build out their working facilities.
Cannabis business licensing