Guide for applicants
Virginia retail cannabis, 2027: the digital checklist.
Virginia's adult-use market is coming. Here are the dates that matter and what your store should have online before day one.
Feb 1, 2027
Cannabis Control Authority begins accepting retail license applications.
Spring 2027
Licenses awarded; lotteries possible if applications exceed available licenses.
Jul 1, 2027
Adult-use retail sales can begin for adults 21+.
The rules that shape your website
- Up to 350 retail licenses statewide, plus microbusiness licenses.
- Delivery is allowed through licensed delivery operators, with no-delivery zones such as schools, hospitals and military bases.
- Servings capped at 10 mg THC and packages at 100 mg THC for adult-use products.
- Seed-to-sale tracking through Metrc; your POS remains the record of every sale.
- Full advertising and promotion rules come from the Cannabis Control Authority's regulations: build contests and loyalty with on/off switches.
Your pre-launch checklist
- Lock your domain and brand.
- Launch a coming-soon site with a waitlist and SMS opt-in.
- Publish local pages for every town you'll serve.
- Build topical authority with strain and education content.
- Choose a POS that integrates with your website and Metrc.
- Set up rewards so day-one buyers become regulars.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority and your attorney.