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Richmond, VA Cannabis Regulations: Personal Cultivation Limits (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

State authority
VA Code 4.1-1101
Plant cap
4 per household
Age
21+
Tag required
Yes, name and ID

Summary

Adults 21+ in Richmond may grow up to four cannabis plants per household for personal use under Virginia Code Section 4.1-1101, provided plants are tagged, kept from public view, and out of reach of minors.

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.

Source: Virginia Code 4.1-1101View official code

Full Breakdown

Virginia Code Section 4.1-1101, enacted by SB 1406 in 2021, permits adults 21 and older to cultivate up to four cannabis plants per household for personal use. Each plant must bear a legible tag with the grower's name, driver's license or ID number, and a notice that the plant is for personal use. Plants cannot be visible from a public way or grown where persons under 21 can readily access them. Sale or distribution remains prohibited statewide because the Cannabis Control Authority retail framework is still launching. Richmond enforces the state limits; no city ordinance increases or reduces the cap.

Violations & Fines

Growing more than four plants, untagged plants, or plants visible from a public way can result in a civil penalty for a first offense under Virginia Code Section 4.1-1101, escalating with repeat offenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can two adults each grow four plants?
No. The four-plant cap is per household, not per adult. Sharing a residence does not multiply the cap under state law.
Can I grow on my balcony?
Only if plants are not visible from any public way. Screening or moving plants indoors is required to avoid a public-display violation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Richmond

All Richmond rules

Compare Richmond to another location·View the Virginia cannabis regulations overview

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