RICHMOND, Va. (7News) — A bill that would allow marijuana retail sales in Virginia is on it’s way to the desk of Abigail Spanberger for approval Monday morning, as Virginia becomes one step closer to launching a legal marketplace.

If signed into law, the legislation would permit adults 21 and older to legally purchase cannabis from licensed retailers starting January 1, 2027 — marking a major shift for a state where possession is already legal, but retail sales are not.

Supporters say the move would finally close that gap and bring Virginia in line with neighboring states that have fully operational markets. But the path forward may not be simple.

Under the proposal, the state could begin accepting applications for cannabis business licenses as early as September 1, leaving just a few months to approve operators before the planned market launch.

That tight turnaround is raising concerns within the industry.

Tanner Johnson with the Virginia Cannabis Association warns the timeline could be difficult for new businesses trying to get up and running.

“By December 1st they need to have that first wave of licenses allocated with the market going live January 1st,” said Johnson.

“But that timeline is very tight if you get your license at the end of November or December — you’ve got to be up and running by January 1st. That’s very difficult for most people to achieve.”

Industry gaps are being compared to neighbors.

Part of the challenge is infrastructure.

Unlike Maryland, which transitioned to recreational sales after building a robust medical cannabis system, Virginia has a much smaller number of licensed operators — meaning fewer businesses are positioned to quickly scale into retail sales.

Industry leaders say that could give existing medical cannabis companies an early advantage, while new entrants may struggle to meet deadlines.

Economic upside and safety concerns

Despite the concerns, backers point to the potential economic benefits. Estimates suggest a fully operational market could generate more than $100 million annually in tax revenue for the state.

At the same time, state officials are preparing for the public health side of legalization. Education campaigns are already being developed to warn about impaired driving and responsible use, as Virginia looks to avoid some of the pitfalls seen in other states.

What happens next

Governor Spanberger is expected to make a decision on the bill in the coming days.

If approved, the focus will quickly shift from legislation to implementation — with regulators, businesses, and law enforcement all racing to prepare for a legal market on an aggressive timeline.

The bigger question now: not just whether Virginia legalizes retail cannabis — but whether it can build a safe, equitable, and functional system in time.