Virginia Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws (2026)

This guide provides educational, not legal advice, on Virginia’s hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of September 1, 2026. Always consult official sources or legal counsel for compliance.

Virginia, USA hemp laws: quick overview

Virginia’s industrial hemp production is governed by Code of Virginia § 3.2‑4113, which authorizes lawful cultivation, handling, and processing of hemp with THC concentrations not exceeding federal limits (≤ 0.3% Δ9‑THC) effective until July 1 2027 (2023, cc. 744, 794; 2026, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1) ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title3.2/chapter41.1/?utm_source=openai)). On August 15 2026, Code § 3.2‑5145.4 takes effect, requiring that industrial hemp extracts offered at retail contain no more than 0.3% total THC and no more than 2 mg total THC per package, or a CBD:THC ratio of at least 25:1 ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title3.2/part/section3.2-5145.4/?utm_source=openai)). House Bill 30 (2026) transfers regulation of retail hemp products from VDACS to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) beginning August 2026, with full retail cannabis sales launching July 1 2027 ([vdacs.virginia.gov](https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-hemp.shtml?utm_source=openai)). Until July 1 2027, Code §§ 3.2‑4122 through 3.2‑4124 impose requirements for retail hemp product registration ($1,000 annual fee), child‑resistant packaging, labeling (including total THC % and mg per serving/package, age‑restriction warning), and ISO/IEC 17025‑accredited COA retention; topical products must be labeled “not intended for human consumption” or face penalties ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title3.2/chapter41.1/?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp crops and extracts are permitted if compliant with Virginia’s THC limits and sourced from registered growers/processors. Retail shipments of hemp‑derived cannabinoid products must be from registered regulated hemp product retail facilities (registration required until July 1 2027). Age verification (21+) is required on labels and enforced at retail.

Testing & COA guidance

Virginia requires ISO/IEC 17025‑accredited third‑party lab testing for total THC concentration and COA must accompany retail products and be available at point of sale (§ 3.2‑4123) until repeal July 1 2027 ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title3.2/chapter41.1/?utm_source=openai)). Testing panels must include total THC; other panels (e.g., contaminants) are governed under 2VAC5‑595 for manufacturing and sale of hemp extracts ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title02/agency5/chapter595/?utm_source=openai)).

What to buy

Products compliant with § 3.2‑5145.4: hemp extracts with ≤ 0.3% total THC and ≤ 2 mg total THC per package (or ≥ 25:1 CBD:THC ratio), properly labeled, child‑resistant packaged, with COA from ISO 17025 lab.

What to avoid

Avoid any products containing synthetic Δ‑8 THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids, as these are prohibited under Virginia’s Consumer Protection Act amendments. Also avoid products exceeding total THC thresholds or lacking proper labeling, packaging, or COA.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Industrial hemp crop must not exceed 0.3% total Δ9‑THC dry‑weight (§ 3.2‑4113; VDACS) effective Jan 1 2022.
• Retail hemp extracts must contain ≤ 0.3% total THC and ≤ 2 mg total THC per package (§ 3.2‑5145.4) effective Aug 15 2026.
• Synthetic Δ‑8 THC and other intoxicating cannabinoids are prohibited in retail hemp products (Consumer Protection Act amendment).
• From Aug 15 2026, VDACS regulates cultivation; from Aug 2026, CCA regulates retail hemp products (HB 30).
• Retailers must register (fee $1,000/year) and comply with child‑resistant packaging, labeling, COA, ISO 17025 (§ 3.2‑4122–4123) until July 1 2027.

Helpful resource: Learn more about Virginia, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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