Virginia Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws (2026)

This guide provides educational information on Virginia’s hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of August 1, 2026. It is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.

Virginia, USA hemp laws: quick overview

Virginia Code § 3.2‑5145.4 (effective August 15, 2026) limits industrial hemp extracts offered for retail sale to a total THC concentration of no more than 0.3% and no more than 2 mg total THC per package ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title3.2/chapter51/article5/?utm_source=openai)). Prior to that date, the same thresholds applied unless the CBD:THC ratio was at least 25:1 ([vdacs.virginia.gov](https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/food-hemp-product-enforcement.shtml?utm_source=openai)). Virginia Code § 3.2‑4122 and § 3.2‑4123 (repealed July 1, 2027) require regulated hemp product retail facility registration ($1,000 annual fee), child‑resistant packaging, ingredient and THC labeling, and ISO/IEC 17025‑accredited COA ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title3.2/chapter41.1/?utm_source=openai)). Virginia Code § 3.2‑5145.2:1 (effective August 15, 2026) mandates that manufacturers of industrial hemp extract or foods containing it must obtain a permit from the Commissioner, disclose intent, and face civil penalties up to $10,000 per day for violations ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title3.2/chapter51/article5/?utm_source=openai)). Virginia Administrative Code 2VAC5‑595 (July 18, 2026) requires laboratory testing for contaminants and phytochemicals for each batch, unless using approved-source extracts ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title02/agency5/chapter595/?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp products are allowed if compliant with Virginia’s total THC and packaging rules. Age verification (21+) is required for products containing THC. Retailers must hold a regulated hemp product retail facility registration until July 1, 2027.

Testing & COA guidance

Virginia requires batch-level laboratory testing for contaminants and phytochemicals under 2VAC5‑595; ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is required for COAs accompanying regulated hemp products until July 1, 2027 ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title3.2/chapter41.1/article4/?utm_source=openai)). COAs must state total THC concentration and be available at point of sale ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title3.2/chapter41.1/article4/?utm_source=openai)).

What to buy

Edible hemp products with total THC ≤ 0.3% and ≤ 2 mg per package; topical hemp products labeled “not intended for human consumption” (effective July 1, 2027); other hemp products compliant with VDACS rules.

What to avoid

Products exceeding 0.3% total THC or 2 mg per package; products without required labeling or COA; chemically synthesized cannabinoids (e.g., delta‑8, delta‑10) in foods/beverages are considered adulterants and prohibited ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Virginia/comments/vp4wuv?utm_source=openai)); unregistered retail sale after July 1, 2027.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Total THC ≤ 0.3% and ≤ 2 mg per package for edible hemp products (effective August 15, 2026)
• Regulated hemp product retail facility registration required until July 1, 2027 (annual $1,000 fee)
• Child‑resistant packaging, labeling, and ISO 17025‑accredited COA required until July 1, 2027
• Manufacturers of hemp extracts must obtain a permit from VDACS Commissioner
• Topical hemp products must be labeled “not intended for human consumption” (effective July 1, 2027)
• Laboratory testing required per 2VAC5‑595; batch testing and contaminant panels mandated

Helpful resource: Learn more about Virginia, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

FAQ