Virginia's Cannabis Advocacy Landscape

Virginia's path to legalization — and the long fight to establish a retail market — has been driven by a coalition of advocacy organizations, equity groups, industry associations, and committed legislators. From the 2021 legalization push through the years of political gridlock and the eventual passage of HB 642, these organizations have shaped every stage of cannabis reform in the Commonwealth.

Below is a guide to the most active organizations in Virginia's cannabis community.

Virginia NORML

Type: Policy Reform & Education | Executive Director: JM Pedini

Website: vanorml.org | Phone: (804) 464-7050 | Email: info@vanorml.org

Virginia NORML is the state's most prominent cannabis advocacy organization and the Virginia chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Under Executive Director JM Pedini, VA NORML has been at the center of every major cannabis policy development in the Commonwealth:

• Legislative advocacy — Led the grassroots push for decriminalization (2020), legalization (2021), and the retail market (HB 642)
• Virginia Cannabis Conference — Annual event bringing together patients, advocates, industry professionals, and legislators (virginiacannabisconference.com)
• Lobby Day — Annual citizen lobbying effort at the General Assembly during session
• Legislative tracker — Comprehensive bill tracking at vanorml.org/2025_legislation
• Public education — Know-your-rights guides, responsible use information, and legal updates

Marijuana Justice

Type: Racial Equity & Criminal Justice | Founder: Chelsea Higgs Wise

Website: marijuanajustice.org

Marijuana Justice is a Virginia-based organization focused on the intersection of cannabis policy and racial justice. Founded by Chelsea Higgs Wise, the organization has been instrumental in ensuring that legalization addresses the harms of prohibition — not just the commercial opportunities:

• Resentencing advocacy — Championed HB 26/SB 62 providing relief for individuals still serving sentences for cannabis offenses
• Racial equity analysis — Documenting disparities in cannabis enforcement across Virginia communities
• Community education — Workshops on rights under current law, expungement eligibility, and how to engage with the legislative process
• Coalition building — Connecting criminal justice reform advocates with cannabis policy stakeholders

Nolef Turns

Type: Re-entry & Expungement | Founder: Sheba Williams

Website: nolefturns.org

Nolef Turns (read backwards: "snruT feloN" / "felon turns") is a re-entry organization founded by Sheba Williams that has become a leading voice on cannabis equity in Virginia. Williams serves on both the VA NORML Board and the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board:

• Expungement services — Direct assistance helping individuals navigate the expungement and record-sealing process, particularly relevant as automatic sealing provisions take effect July 1, 2026
• Re-entry support — Job training, mentorship, and resource navigation for individuals returning from incarceration
• Equity policy development — Shaping the social equity provisions in HB 642, including the 50% equity license reservation
• Community workshops — Educational events on cannabis rights, criminal record relief, and business opportunities in the legal market

Virginia Cannabis Industry Association (VCIA)

Type: Industry / Pharmaceutical Processors

Website: virginiacannabisindustry.com

The VCIA represents Virginia's licensed pharmaceutical processors — the companies that currently operate the state's 23 medical dispensaries. As the existing medical operators, VCIA members have significant experience with Virginia cannabis regulation and will be key players in the transition to retail sales under HB 642.

Virginia Cannabis Association (VCA)

Type: 501(c)(6) Trade Association

Website: virginiacannabis.org

The Virginia Cannabis Association is a 501(c)(6) organization representing Virginia-based cannabis businesses. Unlike the VCIA, which primarily represents the existing pharmaceutical processors, the VCA represents a broader cross-section of Virginia cannabis businesses and entrepreneurs preparing to enter the market once retail licenses become available.

CannaBizVA

Type: Marketplace Equity

Website: cannabizva.org

CannaBizVA focuses on marketplace equity in Virginia's cannabis industry, working to ensure that the economic opportunities of legalization are accessible to communities and entrepreneurs historically excluded from the industry.

Cannabis Equity Coalition of Virginia

Type: Equity Advocacy Coalition

Website: cannabisequitycoalitionva.org

The Cannabis Equity Coalition of Virginia is a coalition of organizations and individuals working to ensure equity is central to Virginia's cannabis policy. The coalition advocates for inclusive licensing practices, community reinvestment, and accountability in equity program implementation.

Virginia Minority Cannabis Coalition (VMCC)

Type: Minority Business Advocacy | Leader: Paul McClean

Website: vmccequity.org

The VMCC, led by Paul McClean, advocates for minority participation in Virginia's cannabis industry. The coalition works on licensing access, capital assistance, and mentorship for minority entrepreneurs seeking to enter the legal market.

Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) — Virginia

Type: National Equity Organization / Virginia Chapter

Website: minoritycannabis.org/equitymap/virginia

The MCBA is a national organization with Virginia-specific resources through its Equity Map program. MCBA provides data on cannabis equity policies, connects minority entrepreneurs with resources, and advocates for inclusive cannabis policies at the state level.

Key Legislators

The following elected officials have played central roles in Virginia's cannabis reform:

• Del. Paul Krizek — Lead House sponsor of HB 642, Chair of the Joint Commission on retail cannabis legislation
• Sen. Lashrecse Aird — Lead Senate sponsor of SB 542 (companion to HB 642)
• Sen. Adam Ebbin — Original sponsor of the 2021 legalization bill (SB 1406), long-time cannabis reform champion
• Gov. Abigail Spanberger — Elected November 2025, campaigned on establishing a regulated retail cannabis market

Get Involved

Virginia's cannabis market is about to launch, and the regulatory framework will continue evolving as the CCA develops rules, accepts applications, and responds to market realities. The organizations listed above offer multiple pathways to stay informed, advocate for effective policy, and participate in Virginia's cannabis industry.

The CCA holds public meetings, the General Assembly considers cannabis-related bills every session, and community organizations host regular events. Whether you're a patient, a prospective business owner, an advocate, or simply a Virginian who wants to stay informed, there is a place for you in this community.

HB 642, which creates Virginia's retail cannabis market, passed the House of Delegates 64-32 and the Senate 21-18 on March 14, 2026. The bill reserves 50% of retail licenses for social equity applicants and directs 30% of tax revenue to the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund.

Virginia Cannabis Control Authority