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Norfolk, VA Cannabis Regulations: Home Cultivation (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

State Law
VA Code 4.1-1101 (2021)
Limit
4 plants per household
Age
21 and older
Visibility
Must be out of public view
Tagging
ID and name on each plant

Summary

Virginia legalized adult-use cannabis home cultivation on July 1, 2021 under VA Code 4.1-1101. Norfolk residents 21 and older can grow up to 4 cannabis plants per household (not per person) out of public view with identification tags.

§ 4.1-1101 . Home cultivation of marijuana for personal use; penalties.

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (c) of § 18.2-248.1 , a person 21 years of age or older may cultivate up to four marijuana plants for personal use at their place of residence; however, at no point shall a household contain more than four marijuana plants. For purposes of this section, a "household" means those individuals, whether related or not, who live in the same house or other place of residence. A person may only cultivate marijuana plants pursuant to this section at such person's main place of residence. A violation of this subsection shall be punishable as follows:

1. For possession of more than four marijuana plants but no more than 10 marijuana plants, (i) a civil penalty of $250 for a first offense, (ii) a Class 3 misdemeanor for a second offense, and (iii) a Class 2 misdemeanor for a third and any subsequent offense;

2. For possession of more than 10 but no more than 49 marijuana plants, a Class 1 misdemeanor;

3. For possession of more than 49 but no more than 100 marijuana plants, a Class 6 felony; and

4. For possession of more than 100 marijuana plants, a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $250,000, or both.

B. A person who cultivates marijuana for personal use pursuant to this section shall:

1. Ensure that no marijuana plant is visible from a public way without the use of aircraft, binoculars, or other optical aids;

2. Take precautions to prevent unauthorized access by persons younger than 21 years of age; and

3. Attach to each marijuana plant a legible tag that includes the person's name, driver's license or identification number, and a notation that the marijuana plant is being grown for personal use as authorized under this section. Any person who violates this subsection is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $25.

Source: VA Code 4.1-1101View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Virginias 2021 legalization (HB 2312/SB 1406), adults 21 and older may grow up to 4 cannabis plants per household for personal use. The limit is per household, not per adult, meaning a home with multiple adults still caps at 4. Plants must be grown out of public view, meaning not visible from any public street, sidewalk, or common area. 1-1101. Cultivation on property not owned by the grower requires the property owners written permission. Cannabis grown at home may not be sold or transferred for consideration, though personal possession up to 1 ounce in public is legal and up to 1 pound can be kept at home.

Norfolk has not enacted a local ordinance restricting home cultivation beyond state law, and Dillons Rule prevents a city from banning lawfully permitted activity absent specific authority. Landlords may prohibit cultivation in rental units as a term of the lease, and HOAs may regulate visible outdoor grows under their covenants. 1.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding 4 plants, untagged plants, or public view cultivation: civil penalty $25 first offense, Class 3 misdemeanor for repeat, felony for 50+ plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow marijuana at my Norfolk home?
Yes, up to 4 plants per household if you are 21 or older, out of public view, and each plant tagged with your information.
Does two adults mean I can grow 8 plants?
No. The 4-plant limit is per household, not per adult, under VA Code 4.1-1101.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Norfolk

All Norfolk rules

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