Virginia is for (Cannabis) Lovers, State Implements Cannabis Legalization

Posted by Dinesh Kumar on October 21st, 2021

That sound you hear is cannabis professionals applauding Virginia’s approach to cannabis legalization. As each of the 50 states rolls out its own legalization plans, some have gotten it right and others have gotten it quite wrong.

Having been involved with the cannabis profession since its legal inception, I believe the Governor of VA made the right moves. Instead of merely decriminalizing possession, they have legalized home grow along with the dispensaries.

It might seem like a minor nuance, but it’s actually incredibly important with huge ramifications. Some states, such as New Jersey, have legalized possession and legalized dispensaries, but did not legalize personal home grow. With all the of the bureaucratic regulatory framework-building that needs to be done, and the licensing and building processes required, it will realistically be two to three years before dispensaries are opening doors for business. Where are people supposedly getting their hands on these 6 ounces of weed, then? The answer: the black market.

Not enabling personal home grow means that cannabis users are going to turn to the black market in those states. But in Virginia, there’s a clear and legal path to obtaining legal cannabis in the meantime: growing your own at home.

By Eric Robichaud, CEO at Green Goddess Supply.