Bill > SB542

This bill establishes a framework for a retail marijuana market in Virginia, to be overseen by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (VCCA), with no retail sales permitted before January 1, 2027. It transfers oversight of certain regulated hemp products from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to the VCCA on that date. The bill also makes numerous amendments to existing laws, including those related to state employee health insurance, disclosure requirements for public officials, closed meetings, the definition of "marijuana" and related terms, licensing and regulation of various cannabis businesses (cultivation, processing, retail, testing, delivery, and microbusinesses), home cultivation, prohibited acts by licensees, taxes, and penalties. It also addresses issues like impact licensees, labor peace agreements, financial services for cannabis businesses, and the regulation of hemp products. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for tribal governments to enter into compacts for marijuana regulation on tribal lands and makes changes to criminal statutes related to controlled substances, including marijuana, by removing references to marijuana in certain offenses and adjusting penalties. The bill also repeals several existing sections related to hemp and marijuana and specifies effective dates for its various provisions, with many sections taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB542