JOINT CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT We, the conferees, appointed by the respective bodies to consider and report upon the disagreeing vote on House Bill No.
Virginia2026Enacted
HB642
Cannabis Control Act
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 5:26 AM
In one sentence
This act sets up rules for selling marijuana in stores in Virginia starting January 1, 2027.
What it does
- Establishes a new agency called the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to oversee the sale of marijuana and certain hemp products.
- Prohibits retail sales of marijuana before January 1, 2027.
- Moves oversight of some hemp product sales from one department to another.
Who it affects
- People who want to sell or buy marijuana in Virginia
- Government agencies involved in regulating and enforcing cannabis laws
Limits and unknowns
- The bill was vetoed by the Governor, so it did not become law.
- It does not provide details on how to set up and fund the new agency or enforcement measures.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
- A new agency that will manage the rules for selling marijuana.
- Retail market
- Stores where people can buy products directly from sellers.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Cannabis control; retail market; penalties. Establishes a framework for the creation of a retail marijuana market in the Commonwealth, to be administered by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. The bill provides that no retail sales may occur prior to January 1, 2027. Effective January 1, 2027, the bill also moves oversight of the retail sale of certain regulated hemp products from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. This bill is identical to SB 542.
Official activity
Bill history
- Governor's Veto Received by HouseHouse
- Vetoed by GovernorGovernor
- Communicated to GovernorHouse
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 23, 2026Governor
- Passed by for the dayHouse
- Passed by for the dayHouse
- Substitute bill reprinted 26110214DHouse
- Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (4/14/2026 9:03 am)House
- Governor's recommendation received by HouseGovernor
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB642)House
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB642)House
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Signed by SpeakerHouse
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Signed by PresidentSenate
- EnrolledHouse
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB642ER)House
- Conference report agreed to by House (64-Y 32-N 0-A)House
Changes
Amendments
4 stored
(HB642) GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION HOUSE BILL NO.
2026 SESSION HOUSE SUBSTITUTE 26109990D HOUSE BILL NO.
2026 SESSION HOUSE SUBSTITUTE REPRINT 26110214D HOUSE BILL NO.