The Cannabis Commission, formally called the Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Cannabis Retail Market, is a group of Virginia state legislators that meets to discuss policy, review presentations, and hear public comment on cannabis-related policy. They will make recommendations to the larger state legislature on what to do.

Yes, you can visit it here

The Cannabis Commission is the best way to have a direct line to policymakers to express your opinions on cannabis policy. There is a designated period at the end of each meeting called “public comment” where you can line up to say your piece.

There will be 4 meetings in 2025:

1. Wednesday, July 9th

2. Wednesday, August 20th

3. TBA

4. TBA

You can either come to the meeting and speak in-person during the public comment section or sign up to speak virtually using this link. [link or insert the guide] The Chair will often give a time limit for public comment, so make sure to be as concise as possible!

An agenda will be posted by the Commission before the meeting. You can find the agenda linked under the name of the meeting on the House of Delegates Meeting Schedule.

Item descriptionIn 2024 and 2025, the state legislature passed the bill to allow for retail marijuana stores, but the bills were vetoed by Governor Youngkin. In 2026, a new governor will be sworn into office. If this Governor signs the bill into law, the marketplace will begin in mid- to late 2026.