RICHMOND (WWBT) – Legal marijuana sales could begin as early as November 2026 under a draft of legislation presented Tuesday by the Virginia Cannabis Commission.

The joint commission outlined changes made to the bill after input from community members and stakeholders during Tuesday’s meeting.

The updated framework comes after Democratic wins in last month’s election strengthened support for legalizing marijuana sales.

Chairman of the committee, House Delegate Paul Krizek, said the bill would create a licensing system prioritizing small Virginia-based micro businesses and establish a framework for managing projected $400 million in annual revenue over the next five years.

“It builds a new market that supports hundreds of small businesses and strengthens Virginia agriculture, reduces the racial disparities created by the prohibition of marijuana, and protects, most importantly, protects public safety and health,” he explained.

Krizek went on to say that a regulated retail market will replace the illicit one.

“It includes product testing, labeling, accurate labeling, and consumer education, age-verified purchases and sales, and we’ll be using the revenue to support youth-focused prevention and education efforts,” Krizek said.

The updated bill includes new guardrails, including limits on cannabis retailers per area and a statewide cap of 350 licenses.

The framework would eliminate local opt-outs, preventing cities and counties from banning cannabis shops.

“Local government remains and retains their full zoning authority and control over the local sales tax revenue. And this will help manage community concerns and ensure enforcement with focus on shutting down the bad actors…by allowing opting out. What we’re really doing is allowing opting into the illicit market,” Krizek said.

More than 20 people provided public comments after the presentation of the changes, with community members, businesses and advocacy groups offering critiques and suggestions for the draft bill.

“I think we’re extremely concerned about the fact that were not going to have some type of local referendum,” one man said.

Commission members emphasized they are still making changes before finalizing the draft, which should be presented during the 2026 legislative session.

You can click here to read the changes to the bill, and you can also click here for more information about the Cannabis Retail Market Joint Commission.

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