How Much Does an Ounce of Weed Cost in Virginia?

Introduction

If you’re curious about the cost of an ounce of weed in Virginia, the price can vary widely depending on where and how you buy it. On average, an ounce of cannabis in Virginia can range from $200 to $400 at licensed medical dispensaries, with higher-end strains costing more. Black-market prices are typically lower, ranging between $150 and $300, but carry legal risks. Factors such as strain quality, medical versus recreational use, and taxes significantly impact the price. 

Below, we’ll explore cannabis legalization, purchasing options, and tips to help you navigate weed prices in Virginia.

Read More: Does Insurance Cover The Cost of Medical Marijuana?

Overview of Cannabis Legalization in Virginia

Virginia has undergone significant changes in its cannabis laws over the past decade. In 2021, Virginia became the first state in the South to legalize the personal use of marijuana. This landmark decision allowed adults aged 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of cannabis and grow up to four plants per household for personal use.

However, the sale of recreational cannabis remains illegal. The push to establish a framework for recreational marijuana sales was vetoed on March 28th, 2024 by Governor Glenn Youngkin, leaving the state without a legal avenue for purchasing marijuana outside of medical dispensaries. Currently, cannabis can only be purchased legally by registered medical marijuana patients from licensed dispensaries.

Factors Influencing Weed Prices in Virginia

1. Legal vs. Black-Market Prices
   Legal weed prices in Virginia are higher due to the operational costs of running a dispensary, such as taxes, compliance fees, and quality assurance processes. Conversely, black-market prices tend to be lower because they bypass regulatory and tax requirements. Black-market marijuana does not undergo any quality assurance testing and may contain hazardous chemicals and even be intentionally laced with dangerous drugs.

2. Strain Quality and Type
   Cannabis prices vary based on strain quality. Premium strains with higher THC content and specialized growing methods typically cost more. Medical-grade cannabis is often more expensive due to stringent quality controls and packaging standards.

3. Taxes and Availability
   Virginia imposes taxes on medical cannabis products, further driving up costs. Additionally, the limited number of licensed dispensaries in the state impacts accessibility, leading to higher prices due to constrained supply.

Where to Buy Weed Legally in Virginia

While recreational sales remain illegal, registered medical marijuana patients in Virginia can purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries. Here are some of the prominent dispensaries in the state:

• gLeaf: Located in locations like Richmond and Short Pump, gLeaf offers a variety of medical-grade cannabis products.

• Cannabist: Known for its modern facilities, Cannabist has multiple locations, including Williamsburg and Virginia Beach.

• Beyond Hello: With dispensaries in Manassas and Sterling, Beyond Hello provides a wide range of cannabis products tailored to medical patients.

• Rise: Located in Salem, Rise dispensaries are another trusted option for medical marijuana patients.

For a complete list of dispensaries and their locations, check out this resource.

Although recreational sales remain prohibited, the topic continues to be debated. The veto of recreational marijuana sales legislation in 2023 by Governor Youngkin has delayed further progress, leaving Virginians to rely solely on medical dispensaries for legal purchases.

Tips for Buying Weed in Virginia

1. Choosing the Right Strain
   When selecting cannabis, consider your needs. Indica strains are ideal for relaxation, while sativas are known for their uplifting effects. Hybrids offer a balance of both. Consult with dispensary staff to find the best strain for your preferences and medical requirements.

2. Understanding Legal Limits
   Virginia allows adults to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and registered medical patients to purchase cannabis within prescribed limits. Exceeding possession limits or purchasing from unlicensed sellers can result in legal consequences. For a deeper dive into Virginia’s possession laws, refer to this article.

3. Plan Your Purchases
   Medical dispensaries often have loyalty programs, discounts, and promotions. Signing up for these can help reduce costs over time.

Related: Virginia Laws and Penalties - Possession Limits for Cannabis

How Virginia Prices Compare to Other States

Virginia’s cannabis prices tend to fall within the national average but are higher than prices in states with established recreational markets. For example:

• Colorado: Recreational weed is often cheaper, with ounces costing between $150 and $250, thanks to a mature market and competitive pricing.

• California: Prices range from $200 to $300, influenced by a large supply and high-quality options.

• Maryland: Medical cannabis prices are similar to Virginia, with ounces costing between $200 and $400.

The relatively high prices in Virginia can be attributed to the limited number of dispensaries, high operational costs, and lack of recreational sales.

Conclusion

The cost of an ounce of weed in Virginia depends on several factors, including strain quality, purchasing location, and whether it’s obtained legally through medical dispensaries or via the black market. While recreational sales remain unavailable in the state, registered medical patients can legally purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

If you’re interested in accessing medical marijuana in Virginia, obtaining a medical marijuana card is your first step. CannabisMD Telemed is the best place to get started. Our process is fast, simple, and conducted entirely online, connecting you with licensed physicians who can assess your eligibility. With CannabisMD Telemed, you’ll gain access to Virginia’s top dispensaries and high-quality medical cannabis products.

Don’t wait—visit CannabisMD Telemed today to take the first step toward better health and wellness.

• How much does weed cost in Virginia?

  The cost of weed in Virginia varies depending on where and how you purchase it. In licensed medical dispensaries, an ounce of cannabis typically costs between $200 and $400, depending on strain quality. Black-market prices are generally lower, ranging from $150 to $300, but buying from unlicensed sources is illegal and carries risks.

• How much weed can you buy in Virginia?

  In Virginia, registered medical marijuana patients can purchase cannabis within the limits prescribed by their doctor, typically based on a 90-day supply. Recreational marijuana sales are currently illegal, but adults aged 21 and over are allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana for personal use.

• Is 2 grams of weed illegal in Virginia?

  No, possessing 2 grams of weed is not illegal for adults aged 21 and older, as Virginia law permits the possession of up to 1 ounce (approximately 28 grams) of cannabis for personal use. However, any possession over the legal limit could result in penalties.

• What does 1 oz of weed look like?

  One ounce of weed typically fills a medium-sized sandwich bag and can vary in appearance based on the strain and how it's trimmed. It contains about 28 grams, which equates to roughly 40-50 joints, depending on how much cannabis is used per joint.

• What is the penalty for selling weed in Virginia?

  Selling marijuana in Virginia is illegal unless you are a licensed medical cannabis dispensary. Penalties for unlicensed sales depend on the quantity involved:

  • Less than 1 ounce: Classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.

  • More than 1 ounce but less than 5 pounds: A felony with potential imprisonment of 1-10 years.

  • Over 5 pounds: A felony punishable by 5-30 years in prison.

  Selling to minors or near schools can lead to enhanced penalties.