Virginia Legal Marijuana Laws

Summary

In 2021, Virginia became the first Southern state to legalize the personal possession and home cultivation of recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, though retail sales are not yet legally established.

Rights & Rules

01.
Adults 21 and over can legally possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana in public.
02.
You can legally grow up to 4 marijuana plants per household at your primary residence. The plants must be tagged with your name and driver's license number, and kept out of public view.
03.
It is legal to 'gift' up to 1 ounce of marijuana to another adult 21+, as long as no money, goods, or services are exchanged (no 'quid pro quo').
04.
There are currently no legal recreational dispensaries in Virginia. Buying and selling marijuana on the black market remains a felony.

Penalties

01.
Possessing more than 1 ounce but less than 1 pound in public is a civil violation with a $25 fine. Possessing over 1 pound is a felony.
02.
Consuming marijuana in a public place (like a park or sidewalk) is a civil violation with a $25 fine.

Verified Citations

Code of Virginia Section 4.1-1100

Source

"Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person 21 years of age or older may lawfully possess on his person or in any public place not more than one ounce of marijuana or an equivalent amount of marijuana product..."