Understanding Virginia's Marijuana Laws
- Adults over 21 in Virginia can possess, but not buy or sell, small amounts of marijuana.
- Transporting marijuana across state lines, even from legal states, is federally illegal.
- Selling or purchasing marijuana, including online and "gift" stores, is illegal without a medical card.
- Delta-8 and delta-10, similar to marijuana, are illegal to buy or sell in Virginia.
- Public use of marijuana is illegal, and possession limits are strictly enforced.
Virginia has legalized marijuana, yet lacks a legal retail market. This has created confusion, especially with new laws regarding hemp products like delta-8. Here's a simplified guide:
In Virginia, adults 21 and over can legally possess small amounts of marijuana but cannot buy or sell it. Personal cultivation and receiving it as a gift are permissible. However, federal law prohibits transporting marijuana across state lines, even from states where it's legal. The illegal black market for buying and selling marijuana persists as Virginia has not established a legal retail market. This means you can't legally purchase marijuana from dispensaries without a medical card, nor from stores offering marijuana as a "gift" with other purchases. Recent crackdowns by authorities have targeted such "gift" stores.
For further details on Virginia's 2023 marijuana laws, including legal possession and sharing, visit the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority's website.
Understanding Cannabis Variants: Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10, Hemp, and Marijuana
Cannabis variants include cannabinoids like CBD and THC. Delta-9 THC is commonly associated with marijuana's high. Delta-8 and delta-10 are less prevalent THC types found in marijuana. Under federal law, hemp contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Thus, delta-8 and delta-10 derived from hemp may be classified as hemp. However, all THC types can induce a high. The FDA has flagged health risks with delta-8 due to unregulated production involving potentially harmful chemicals.
Legality of Delta-8 and Delta-10 in Virginia
With new legislation, the sale and purchase of delta-8 and delta-10, like marijuana, are illegal in Virginia. Previously, these hemp-derived products faced less regulation and were available in stores. Now, hefty fines are imposed for selling THC-producing hemp products.
Online Purchase of Delta-8 and Delta-10
Purchasing THC products online is illegal under Virginia's new law. Officials initially focus on Virginia-based businesses but plan to address online retailers eventually. While federal law doesn't include delta-8 and delta-10 in its marijuana definition, transporting these across state lines remains questionable.
Medical Marijuana in Virginia
Medical marijuana is legal with a medical card, purchasable at licensed dispensaries. However, higher prices compared to the black market or out-of-state sources have deterred many patients.
Home Cultivation and Dispensaries
Virginians over 21 can grow up to four plants per household. Currently, recreational dispensaries don't exist, but future legislative efforts may establish a legal retail market, potentially by 2024. Only medical card holders can access existing dispensaries.
Possession Limits and Penalties
Publicly, one can possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and up to 4 ounces at home. Possessing 1 to 4 ounces in public incurs a $25 civil penalty. More than 4 ounces at home but less than a pound is a misdemeanor, while over a pound is a felony.
Marijuana in Vehicles
The ACLU of Virginia advises against keeping marijuana in vehicles. An open container gives law enforcement grounds to assume consumption while driving, leading to penalties. Commercial vehicle drivers face fines, and ride-share drivers risk jail and fines.
Stay toasty my friends
P.S. Miss you Suzy.
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