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Virginia

State · United States

Legal with limits

#20 of 51 in United States
would rank #4 among countries

Recreational: LegalMedical: Legal

Possession and four plants per household have been legal since 2021. After years of vetoes, a retail law was enacted in 2026; adult-use shops are due to open in 2027. Until then medical dispensaries are the only legal place to buy.

State

Score breakdown ▏world average

Federal law still prohibits non-medical cannabis everywhere in the United States; these scores describe state law. Counties and cities can add their own rules, and state law does not apply on federal land. Select a segment to show or hide the rules.

Possession · 25%5/10 United States: 4

adds 12.5 of 25 points

Legal at home and in small amounts in public; slightly larger amounts bring only a $25 civil penalty, and over 4 oz in public is a misdemeanour.

Personal cultivation · 25%4/10 United States: 3

adds 10.0 of 25 points

Four plants per household, tagged and out of public view.

Punishment & enforcement · 20%6/10 United States: 2

adds 12.0 of 20 points

Among the mildest penalties for small overages anywhere in the country.

Sharing & gifting · 10%5/10 United States: 4

adds 5.0 of 10 points

Adults may share up to 1 oz without payment.

Consumption · 10%3/10 United States: 3

adds 3.0 of 10 points

Private only.

Legal access · 10%3/10 United States: 5

adds 3.0 of 10 points

No adult-use shops yet. Earlier bills were vetoed, but in 2026 the legislature passed a retail framework and the new governor signed sales into law, with shops due to open during 2027. Medical dispensaries are the only legal place to buy for now.

Sources

Last updated: 4 October 2026

Virginia

Score breakdown ▏world average

Sources

Other states 51 scored