Cannabis Business

The medical cannabis marketplace is flourishing in Virginia, and with the Cannabis Control Act laying the groundwork for the sale of adult-use cannabis products in 2024, many new companies and entrepreneurs have begun to secure financing and structure their operations. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy administers licensing requirements for participants in the medical cannabis marketplace. The newly-formed Cannabis Control Authority will, if the General Assembly approves, begin issuing licenses to grow, process, and sell cannabis for adult use in 2024.

In addition to obtaining a license from the Virginia Board of Pharmacy or the Cannabis Control Authority, businesses that produce and distribute cannabis-based products must meet many other legal and regulatory requirements under state and federal law.  Banking restrictions, for example, continue to restrain the industry. Cannabis businesses should carefully structure their operations to mitigate their legal risk and thoroughly assess the terms of their commercial contracts for compliance.

Experienced Counsel for Cannabis Businesses in Virginia

At Macaulay Jamerson Satterlund & Sessa, we have significant experience representing pharmaceutical processors and other cannabis businesses. We represent both current and prospective cannabis businesses. Our attorneys have helped draft the medical cannabis laws and regulations, and they are actively participating in the legislative and regulatory process for the adult-use cannabis marketplace.

We provide full-service legal representation for pharmaceutical processors, growers, distributors, retailers, and related businesses. This includes representation in:

Licensing and Compliance

Licensure is a requirement for all entities seeking to participate in Virginia’s medical and adult-use cannabis marketplaces.  While opportunities for licensure in the medical cannabis marketplace are currently very limited, the application process for adult-use cannabis businesses is expected to open in 2023.  It will be administered by the Cannabis Control Authority. We can guide you through either of these cannabis licensing processes.  

In addition to cannabis licensing, we provide representation for other licensing and compliance matters, such as local business licenses and corporate registration at the State Corporation Commission. 

Operations and Contracting

Macaulay Jamerson Satterlund & Sessa also represents pharmaceutical processors and other cannabis businesses in operations and contracting matters.  Its services include business entity formation, risk management, lease negotiation, and vendor agreements.  Our attorneys have the industry-specific knowledge needed to effectively advise businesses involved in Virginia’s medical and adult-use cannabis marketplaces. Regardless of the scope and nature of your company’s current or future operations, we can provide custom-tailored legal solutions focused on your specific needs.

Start a Conversation with Macaulay Jamerson Satterlund & Sessa

If you would like to know more about Virginia’s cannabis laws and regulations, or if you would like to speak with one of our attorneys about your company’s cannabis-related legal needs, we encourage you to get in touch directly with one of our attorneys or send an email to info@macjamlaw.com.  

All services rendered by Macaulay Jamerson Satterlund & Sessa in connection with the operation of a cannabis business are intended to comply with Rule 1.2(c)(3) of the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct. Rule 1.2(c)(3) states that an attorney may “counsel or assist a client regarding conduct expressly permitted by state or other applicable law that conflicts with federal law, provided that the lawyer counsels the client about the potential legal consequence of the client’s proposed course of conduct under applicable federal law.”