Marijuana Retail Dispensary Regulations in Virginia

What Are The Requirements For Obtaining A License To Operate A Marijuana Retail Dispensary in Virginia?

At this time, marijuana is illegal for recreational and medical use in the state of Virginia, and there are currently no regulations in place that would allow for a marijuana retail dispensary to operate. However, the Virginia General Assembly has passed legislation allowing for medical cannabis oil for the treatment of certain conditions, with the first dispensaries expected to open in 2021.

Are There Limitations On The Number Of Marijuana Retail Dispensary Licenses Issued in Virginia?

Yes, there are limitations on the number of marijuana retail dispensary licenses that can be issued in Virginia. The Virginia General Assembly has set a limit of five retail dispensary licenses per Health Service Area (HSA). This means that only five retail dispensaries can be located in each HSA, and there are a total of 141 HSAs in the state.

What Zoning Restrictions Or Location Requirements Apply To Marijuana Dispensaries in Virginia?

Marijuana dispensaries in Virginia are currently not yet legal. As a result, no zoning restrictions or location requirements apply to them at this time.

What Types Of Marijuana Products Can Be Sold In Retail Dispensaries in Virginia?

Currently, Virginia law does not allow medical marijuana dispensaries to sell any type of marijuana or cannabis products. Only CBD oil is permitted for sale in the state, and it must be produced from hemp grown in the state, and must contain no more than 5% THC.

Are There Specific Labeling And Packaging Requirements For Marijuana Products in Virginia?

Yes. Medical marijuana products in Virginia must be labeled according to state regulations. Labels must include information such as the name and address of the producer, date of manufacture, and warnings. The packaging must also be child-resistant and opaque. All medical marijuana products must be dispensed in the prescribed package from the processor.

How Are Marijuana Prices Determined And Regulated in Virginia?

Marijuana prices in Virginia are determined by the market forces of supply and demand, just like with any other product. There is no state tax on marijuana in Virginia, but local government taxes may apply. The sale and possession of marijuana is illegal in Virginia, so there is no regulation on prices.

What Are The Security And Surveillance Requirements For Marijuana Dispensaries in Virginia?

Security and surveillance requirements for marijuana dispensaries in Virginia vary from locality to locality. Generally, dispensaries must install and operate a video surveillance system throughout the entire premises that records all areas where marijuana is stored, handled, and sold. The video surveillance system must be monitored by employees at all times and must record all activity for at least 30 days. Disposal of any recorded video must be done in accordance with state and local law. Dispensaries must also have a secure alarm system, secure locks on all doors and windows, secured storage and handling of marijuana products, and an inventory tracking system. Additionally, dispensaries must implement additional security measures as requested by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

Are There Restrictions On Advertising And Marketing Of Marijuana Products in Virginia?

Yes, there are restrictions on the advertising and marketing of marijuana products in Virginia. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy’s Regulations Governing the Manufacture, Distribution, and Dispensing of Medical Cannabis Oil, Regulation 2VAC5-31-30, prohibits advertising of medical cannabis oil in any form. This includes radio, television, print, and internet advertising.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement For Entering A Marijuana Dispensary in Virginia?

The minimum age requirement for entering a marijuana dispensary in Virginia is 21 years old.

Are There Restrictions On The Hours Of Operation For Marijuana Dispensaries in Virginia?

Yes, there are restrictions on the hours of operation for marijuana dispensaries in Virginia. All dispensaries must close by 10 p.m. each day and cannot open before 8 a.m. Additionally, the state has prohibited dispensaries from being open on Sundays or certain holidays.

What Are The Tax Implications For Marijuana Retail Sales in Virginia?

The tax implications for marijuana retail sales in Virginia are currently unknown, as marijuana is still illegal in Virginia. Virginia is in the process of legalizing recreational marijuana for adult use, but has not yet passed any laws related to taxation of retail marijuana sales.

How Are Marijuana Dispensaries Monitored And Inspected For Compliance in Virginia?

Marijuana dispensaries in Virginia are monitored and inspected by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, which regulates all pharmacies in the state. The Board inspects and monitors marijuana dispensaries to ensure they adhere to state laws and regulations concerning the sale and distribution of medical marijuana. The Board also reviews the dispensary’s inventory control system and its overall operations to ensure safe, secure, and compliant practices.

What Training And Certification Requirements Apply To Dispensary Staff in Virginia?

At this time, there are no specific training and certification requirements for dispensary staff in Virginia. However, the state’s Board of Pharmacy has issued guidance encouraging pharmacy staff to be knowledgeable about medical cannabis products and the laws and regulations governing their sale and use. Additionally, the Virginia Department of Health Professions requires that pharmacy technicians be registered with the Department and complete a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education each year.

Are There Specific Requirements For Record-Keeping And Inventory Control in Virginia?

Yes, there are specific requirements for record-keeping and inventory control in Virginia. All retailers must maintain adequate records of all purchases and sales, and must keep an accurate inventory of all items in stock. Additionally, records must be kept for a minimum of three years and a physical count of inventory must be taken at least once every twelve months. Virginia also requires that a description of items purchased or sold, the date of purchase or sale, the price, the quantity, and the name and address of the person from whom the purchase was made (or to whom the sale was made) must be included in the records.

What Penalties Or Consequences Can Dispensaries Face For Violating Regulations in Virginia?

The penalties for violating cannabis regulations in Virginia can range from civil fines to criminal sanctions. The specifics of the penalty depend on the nature and seriousness of the violation. Civil penalties can include fines of up to $250,000 or double the value of any benefit received, whichever is greater, as well as revocation or suspension of the dispensary’s license. Criminal penalties may range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the violation. Possible criminal penalties include fines, time in prison, and forfeiture of any product or profits related to the violation.

Do Local Municipalities Have The Authority To Ban Or Regulate Marijuana Dispensaries Independently in Virginia?

No, local municipalities do not have the authority to ban or regulate marijuana dispensaries independently in Virginia. The Virginia General Assembly has sole authority when it comes to creating and regulating laws concerning marijuana in Virginia.

Is Home Delivery Of Marijuana Products Permitted, And Are There Specific Regulations For It in Virginia?

No, home delivery of marijuana products is not permitted in Virginia. However, there are specific regulations for the sale of medical marijuana products, including restrictions on the amount of product that can be sold, where it can be sold, and the types of products allowed.

What Are The Rules For Testing And Quality Control Of Marijuana Products Sold In Dispensaries in Virginia?

At this time, there are no regulations related to testing and quality control of marijuana products sold in dispensaries in the state of Virginia. The Virginia General Assembly is currently considering legislation that would create a regulatory framework for the cultivation, manufacturing, sale, and testing of marijuana products.

Are There Restrictions On The Packaging And Sale Of Edible Marijuana Products in Virginia?

Yes, there are restrictions on the packaging and sale of edible marijuana products in Virginia. Edible marijuana products must be sold in sealed packages that are opaque and child-resistant, and that do not depict any cartoon characters or otherwise appear attractive to children. In addition, no more than ten milligrams of THC can be contained in any single serving of the product, and no more than 100 milligrams of THC can be contained in the whole package. Furthermore, edible marijuana products must include appropriate labels that list ingredients, health risks, warnings, and other information required by the state.

How Does Our State Handle Reciprocity For Out-Of-State Medical Marijuana Patients In Dispensaries in Virginia?

At this time, there is no reciprocity for out-of-state medical marijuana patients in Virginia. Virginia medical marijuana dispensaries are only allowed to serve patients who are registered with the state’s medical marijuana program.