Is CBD Legal in Virginia
- Hemp-derived CBD products containing no more than 0.3% total THC are legal Virginia Cannabis Information Portal+3Virginia Cannabis Control Authority+3VDACS+3WikipediaLegalClarityReddit+2Cannabis Business Times+2VDACS+2.
- Since July 2023, products must also contain no more than 2 mg total THC per package, unless they have a CBD:THC ratio of at least 25:1 Wikipedia+10VDACS+10CRB Monitor News+10.
- The Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS) oversees testing, labeling, packaging, and retail rules VDACS+2LegalClarity+2Virginia Cannabis Control Authority+2.
New Rules and Licensing Requirements
- Edibles, inhalables, and smokable hemp products must be sold by VDACS-registered retailers, effective November 15, 2024 Cannabis Business Times+15VDACS+15LegalClarity+15.
- Products must include clear labels, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and comply with child-resistant packaging .
- Non-compliant products can incur fines up to $10,000 per violation, and over 300 retailers have already been fined almost $11 million Virginia Mercury+2Axios+2CRB Monitor News+2.
What Remains Illegal
- Any hemp product with total THC over state limits, or outside the 25:1 ratio, is illegal Reddit+3Virginia Mercury+3Virginia Cannabis Information Portal+3.
- Synthetic cannabinoids—like Delta-8, Delta-10, and HHC—are banned under state law Reddit.
- While possession of marijuana and growing up to four plants at home is legal Wikipedia+2Virginia Cannabis Control Authority+2Virginia Mercury+2, retail sales of marijuana remain illegal VDACS+3Wikipedia+3Cannabis Business Times+3.
Buying CBD in Virginia: A Consumer Guide
- Select compliant products: ≤ 0.3% THC, ≤ 2 mg THC/package, or a 25:1 CBD:THC ratio.
- Buy from VDACS-registered retailers with proper labeling and COAs.
- Avoid products with synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8.
- Verify child-resistant packaging and accurate THC/CBD information on the label.
Medical vs Recreational Access
- General-use CBD is legal under hemp regulations.
- Medical professionals can recommend CBD/THC-A oils to certified patients under the state’s medical cannabis program VDACS+1VDACS+1Reddit+11Virginia Cannabis Control Authority+11LegalClarity+11Virginia Cannabis Information Portal.
Quick Comparison Table
Product Type | Legal Status in Virginia |
---|---|
Hemp CBD (≤0.3% THC) | ✅ Legal with proper labeling, COA, and registered seller |
Edibles, inhalables | ✅ Legal if from registered retailer, regulated packaging |
Smokable hemp flower | ⚠️ Legal if compliant; otherwise illegal |
Synthetic cannabinoids | ❌ Illegal |
Recreational marijuana | ❌ Legal to possess/grow small amounts, but no retail sales |
Final Verdict
Yes—hemp-derived CBD is legal in Virginia, as long as it complies with state THC limits, package ratios, labeling, lab testing, and is sold by VDACS-registered businesses. Products exceeding THC limits, containing synthetics, or sold without compliance pose legal risks.