parks
Virginia to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in retail stores beginning in 2027
By AP via Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· June 30, 2026
· 4 min read
Five years after becoming the first Southern state to legalize possession of marijuana, Virginia has approved a legal way to sell it to recreational users.State budget legislation enacted Monday will allow up to 350 cannabis shops to open across Virginia beginning July 1, 2027. The move marks the...
Key takeaway State budget legislation enacted Monday will allow up to 350 cannabis shops to open across Virginia beginning July 1, 2027.
Why this matters in The Nashville
As Virginia prepares to allow recreational marijuana sales in retail stores, Nashville residents may wonder what this development means for Tennessee. Although the Volunteer State has not yet followed suit, the decision in Virginia could potentially influence regional attitudes towards marijuana legalization. With Virginia's regulated retail market set to launch in 2027, it will be worth watching how the state navigates the complexities of cannabis sales and whether Tennessee lawmakers take note of their neighbor's approach. The fact that Virginia's law is expected to generate significant revenue for the state may also prompt Tennessee officials to reconsider their own stance on marijuana legalization. As the national landscape on cannabis continues to shift, Nashville will likely remain a key hub for discussion and debate on this issue, particularly given the city's proximity to Virginia and other states that have already legalized marijuana.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Five years after becoming the first Southern state to legalize possession of marijuana, Virginia has approved a legal way to sell it to recreational users.State budget legislation enacted Monday will allow up to 350 cannabis shops to open across Virginia beginning July 1, 2027. The move marks the...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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