Last verified: March 2026

The Richmond metropolitan area (HSA 4, South Central Virginia) is served by five medical dispensaries operated under two brands — Cannabist and gLeaf — both owned by the Cannabist Company. As Virginia's state capital and a metro area of roughly 1.3 million people, Richmond plays a central role in the state's cannabis landscape and will be a key market when retail sales launch in 2027.

Richmond Area Dispensary Locations

For current hours and exact addresses, check the CCA dispensary directory.

Cannabist vs. gLeaf: Same Owner, Different Brands

Both Cannabist and gLeaf are owned by the Cannabist Company (formerly Columbia Care). While they operate under different brand names, they share supply chains and product lines. The distinction is largely historical — gLeaf was the original Virginia licensee, and the Cannabist branding was introduced after Columbia Care's acquisition.

In practice, product availability may differ slightly between locations, but patients can visit any HSA 4 location with their certification.

Richmond as Virginia's Cannabis Hub

Richmond holds a unique position in Virginia's cannabis story. As the state capital, it is where cannabis policy is made — HB 642 was debated and passed in the General Assembly here. The city also has a vibrant cannabis culture with a growing community of advocates, patients, and entrepreneurs.

Richmond's role will expand significantly when retail sales begin:

• Central location — accessible from I-95 (north-south) and I-64 (east-west), making it reachable from most of Virginia
• University population — VCU, University of Richmond, and other institutions bring a large 21+ adult population
• Tourism base — Richmond attracts visitors for its food scene, craft beer, and historic sites
• Social equity focus — Richmond communities were significantly impacted by cannabis prohibition, and the city is expected to be a center for social equity licensing

What You Need to Visit

All Richmond-area dispensaries are medical only. You need:

1. A valid practitioner certification registered in the CCA system (no physical card needed)
2. A government-issued photo ID

Virginia has no qualifying conditions list — any registered practitioner can certify you. Many Richmond patients use telehealth services for convenient certification. Find a practitioner through the CCA practitioner directory.

Products and Payment

Richmond dispensaries carry the full range of Virginia medical products — flower, vapes, edibles, tinctures, topicals, capsules, and more. All products are capped at 10 mg THC per serving. Medical patients can purchase up to 4 ounces of flower per 30 days or a 90-day supply of other products.

Cash and debit are accepted at all locations. Credit cards are generally not accepted. ATMs are on-site. See What's Available for the full product breakdown.

Coverage Beyond Metro Richmond

HSA 4 extends beyond the immediate Richmond metro. Patients in Charlottesville, Petersburg, and Fredericksburg typically use Richmond-area dispensaries, though travel distances can be significant. Colonial Heights serves the southern approaches, while Glen Allen covers the northern suburbs and parts of the I-64 corridor toward Charlottesville.