Cannabis Regulations in Richmond, VA

If you live in Richmond or are thinking about moving there, cannabis regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Richmond has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of cannabis regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Cannabis Delivery Rules

Virginia prohibits commercial cannabis delivery until the Cannabis Control Authority licenses retail; gifting cannabis with another transaction is treated as illegal sale under Virginia Code Section 4.1-1101.

Key details: Sale ban: Until CCA retail opens. Gifting limit: 1 oz, no remuneration. Sticker scheme: Treated as illegal sale. Medical delivery: Allowed via processors.

Gifting cannabis with any associated payment, or running an unlicensed delivery service, can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on quantity and prior offenses.

This is one of the stricter rules in Richmond's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Personal Cultivation Limits

Richmond residents who are 21 or older can grow up to four marijuana plants at their main place of residence, and the cap of four applies to the whole household, not to each adult. Plants must stay out of public view, out of reach of anyone under 21, and carry a tag with the grower's name and ID number.

Key details: Plant cap: Four plants per household at any time. Minimum age: 21 years of age or older. Where: Grower's main place of residence only. Visibility: No plant visible from a public way without optical aids. Tag on each plant: Name, license or ID number, personal-use notation.

The plant count sets the penalty. More than four but no more than 10 plants: a $250 civil penalty for a first offense, a Class 3 misdemeanor for a second offense, and a Class 2 misdemeanor for a third and any later offense. More than 10 but no more than 49 plants: a Class 1 misdemeanor. More than 49 but no more than 100: a Class 6 felony. More than 100: a felony with one to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Missing the visibility, access or tag rules costs no more than $25.

Home Cultivation

Richmond residents 21 or older can grow up to four marijuana plants per household at their main residence under Va. Code § 4.1-1101. Plants must stay out of public view, be kept from anyone under 21, and carry a tag with the grower's name and ID number. Subsection B violations carry a civil penalty of up to $25.

Key details: Plant limit: Four plants per household, at all times. Minimum age: 21 years of age or older. Where to grow: Grower's main place of residence only. Visibility: No plant visible from a public way without optical aids. Required tag: Name, license or ID number, personal-use notation on each plant.

Exceeding the four-plant cap is punished on a sliding scale. Five to 10 plants draws a $250 civil penalty for a first offense, a Class 3 misdemeanor for a second and a Class 2 misdemeanor for a third and any later offense. Eleven to 49 plants is a Class 1 misdemeanor, 50 to 100 plants is a Class 6 felony, and more than 100 plants carries one to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Breaking the visibility, access or tagging duties in subsection B carries a civil penalty of no more than $25, prepayable by an adult under § 16.1-69.40:2.

The Bottom Line

Richmond's cannabis regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Richmond is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Richmond's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.