Last verified: March 2026

Virginia currently has 23 medical-only dispensaries operated by four pharmaceutical processors across five Health Service Areas (HSAs). Unlike states with hundreds of independent shops, Virginia's dispensary system is built on a vertically integrated model — each processor cultivates, manufactures, and sells its own products. Recreational retail does not exist yet but launches January 1, 2027 under HB 642.

Virginia Dispensaries by Health Service Area

Understanding the HSA Model

Virginia divided the state into five Health Service Areas for medical cannabis licensing. Each HSA was originally assigned one pharmaceutical processor, creating regional monopolies. The Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) has since allowed processors to open additional facilities, expanding from the original five locations to the current 23.

HSA 1 (Northwestern Virginia) remains the only area with no open dispensaries. Residents in the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester, and Harrisonburg areas must travel to HSA 2 (Northern Virginia) or HSA 3 (Southwestern Virginia) for access. This gap is expected to close when retail licensing begins under HB 642.

The Four Pharmaceutical Processors

• Beyond Hello (Jushi Holdings) — HSA 2, six locations across Northern Virginia. The largest footprint in the state's most populated region. Northern VA guide.
• RISE (Green Thumb Industries) — HSA 3, six locations in Southwestern Virginia from Abingdon to Lynchburg. Covers the state's most rural territory.
• Cannabist + gLeaf (Cannabist Company) — HSA 4, five locations in the Richmond metro area including two Richmond city locations, Henrico, Colonial Heights, and Glen Allen. Richmond guide.
• Cannabist (Verano Holdings) — HSA 5, six locations across Hampton Roads from Hampton to Virginia Beach. Hampton Roads guide.

Who Can Visit a Virginia Dispensary?

Virginia dispensaries are medical only. You need:

1. A valid practitioner certification — any Virginia-registered practitioner can issue one (there is no qualifying conditions list). Virginia does not issue a physical "medical card" — your certification is registered in the CCA's electronic system.
2. A valid government-issued photo ID

Certification costs typically range from $150–$250 through telehealth services, with renewals around $100–$150. See our What to Expect guide for the full process.

What About Recreational Retail?

Recreational retail sales begin January 1, 2027 under HB 642, which creates 350 retail store licenses. Applications open July 1, 2026. Until then, the only legal way to purchase cannabis in Virginia is through the medical program. Learn more about the retail launch timeline.

Current License Fees

Virginia's medical dispensary licensing fees are among the highest in the country, reflecting the vertically integrated model:

• Application fee: $18,000
• Initial license: $165,000
• Annual renewal: $132,000
• Additional facility application: $5,000
• Additional facility license: $80,000

Official CCA Resources

• CCA Dispensary Directory — Official list with addresses, hours, and contact information
• CCA Practitioner Directory — Find a registered practitioner who can certify you
• Virginia Cannabis Control Authority — The state agency that regulates all cannabis activity