JOINT CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT We, the conferees, appointed by the respective bodies to consider and report upon the disagreeing vote on Senate Bill No.
Virginia2026Enacted
SB542
Cannabis Control Act
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 5:26 AM
In one sentence
This act sets up rules for selling marijuana in stores starting January 1, 2027, and creates penalties for breaking these rules.
What it does
- Establishes a new agency called the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to oversee the sale of marijuana.
- Prohibits any retail sales before January 1, 2027.
- Moves oversight of certain hemp products from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.
Who it affects
- People who want to sell marijuana legally starting in 2027.
- Government agencies involved in regulating and enforcing cannabis control rules.
Limits and unknowns
- The bill was vetoed by the Governor, so it did not become law.
- It does not specify how much money will be available for enforcement or testing of marijuana products.
- Other states' experiences with similar laws were not fully considered in this legislation.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Cannabis Control Authority
- A new agency that will manage the legal sale of marijuana products.
- Retail market
- The system where people can buy and sell goods directly to customers.
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 incorporates SB 671 and SB 826 and is identical to HB 642.
Official activity
Bill history
- Governor's Veto Received by SenateSenate
- Vetoed by GovernorGovernor
- Passed by for the daySenate
- Communicated to GovernorSenate
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 23, 2026Governor
- Passed by for the day Block Vote (21-Y 18-N 0-A)Senate
- Substitute bill reprinted 26110453DSenate
- Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (4/14/2026 4:24 pm)Senate
- Governor's recommendation received by SenateGovernor
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB542)Senate
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026Senate
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Signed by SpeakerHouse
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026Senate
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Signed by PresidentSenate
- EnrolledSenate
- Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB542ER)Senate
- Conference report agreed to by House (64-Y 32-N 0-A)House
- Conference Report releasedConference
Changes
Amendments
5 stored
(SB542) GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION I approve the general purpose of this bill, but I am returning it without my signature with the request that the attached Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (26110453D) be accepted.
OFFERED FOR CONSIDERATION 2/04/2026 SB 542 [§ 4.1-1103 (Illegal sale, etc.) - match the penalties of § 4.1-302 ] COURTS OF JUSTICE 1.
2026 SESSION SENATE SUBSTITUTE 26109722D SENATE BILL NO.
2026 SESSION SENATE SUBSTITUTE REPRINT 26110453D SENATE BILL NO.