VirginiaCannabis Growing Guide
Everything you need to grow cannabis at home in Virginia. Laws, climate tips, recommended strains, and local resources.
Age Requirement
21+ years old
Plants Per Household
4 plants max
Tagging Required
Yes, with ID
Legal Since
July 1, 2021
Legal Overview
Virginia legalized home cannabis cultivation through the Virginia Cannabis Control Act on July 1, 2021.
What's Allowed
- •Growing up to 4 cannabis plants per household
- •Adults 21+ can cultivate at their primary residence
- •Possessing cannabis harvested from your own plants
- •Using your own cannabis in private
Not Allowed
- •Exceeding 4 plants per household
- •Growing plants visible from a public way (sidewalk, street)
- •Growing where anyone under 21 can access the plants
- •Failing to tag plants with required information
Location Requirements
Where and how you can legally grow cannabis in Virginia.
Primary Residence Only
Cannabis plants can only be grown at your main place of residence. You cannot cultivate at a secondary property or someone else's home.
Not Visible from Public
Plants must not be visible from any public way such as a sidewalk or street. Indoor growing or a fully enclosed outdoor space is recommended.
Secured from Minors
Plants must not be accessible to anyone under 21 years old. A locked grow space is strongly recommended.
Making Concentrates
Rules for making cannabis concentrates and extracts in Virginia.
Allowed Methods
- •Rosin pressing
- •Ice water hash
- •Dry sift
Prohibited Methods
- •Butane (BHO extraction)
- •Propane
- •Any concentrate manufacturing from home-grown cannabis
- •Other flammable gases or liquids
Important: Volatile solvents (butane, propane, etc.) are prohibited for home extraction in Virginia. Stick to solventless methods like rosin pressing and ice water hash.
Renting? Important Considerations
What renters in Virginia need to know about home cultivation.
- ⚠️Property owners can prohibit home cultivation in rental agreements
- ⚠️Review your lease for cannabis or smoking-related clauses
- ⚠️Federally subsidized housing prohibits cannabis cultivation
- ⚠️Consider odor-controlled indoor growing to minimize neighbor impact
- ⚠️Get written permission from your landlord if possible
Compliance Tips
Best practices for staying compliant with Virginia cannabis laws.
✓Tag Your Plants
Virginia requires each plant to have a legible tag with your name, driver's license or ID number, and a notation that it's for personal use.
✓Count Carefully
Virginia allows only 4 plants per household total, regardless of how many adults live there. This is stricter than many states.
✓Grow Indoors
Indoor growing is the safest way to ensure plants aren't visible from public areas and are secure from unauthorized access.
✓No Concentrates
Unlike some states, Virginia prohibits manufacturing cannabis concentrates from your home-grown plants.
✓Keep Records
Document your plant count and tagging compliance. Take photos of your setup in case you ever need to demonstrate compliance.
Climate & Growing Season
USDA Zone
USDA Zones 5b-8a
Outdoor Season
May - October
Last Frost
Mid April - Early May
First Frost
Mid October - Early November
Solid outdoor growing potential with appropriate strain selection.
Virginia has a diverse climate - mountains in the west are cooler, while coastal areas (Virginia Beach) are warmer and more humid. The Piedmont region has moderate conditions. Indoor growing is recommended for privacy compliance and avoiding the summer humidity. Mold can be an issue in late-season outdoor grows.
Recommended Strains for Virginia
These strains are particularly well-suited for growing in Virginia's climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cannabis plants can I grow in Virginia?
Virginia allows adults 21+ to grow up to 4 cannabis plants per household for personal use. This is a household limit—even if multiple adults live together, the maximum is 4 plants total.
Do I need to tag my cannabis plants in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia law requires each plant to have a legible tag that includes your name, driver's license or state ID number, and a notation that the plant is being grown for personal use. Failure to tag plants can result in a $25 civil penalty.
When did home cannabis cultivation become legal in Virginia?
Home cultivation became legal in Virginia on July 1, 2021, as part of the Virginia Cannabis Control Act. Adults 21 and older can grow up to 4 plants at their primary residence.
Can I make cannabis concentrates from my home-grown plants in Virginia?
No. Virginia law specifically prohibits manufacturing cannabis concentrate from home-cultivated cannabis. You can only use the flower/plant material, not process it into concentrates.
Can my landlord prohibit me from growing cannabis in Virginia?
Yes. Property owners can develop and enforce policies that restrict or prohibit home cultivation by renters. Review your lease agreement and consult with your landlord before growing.
Ready to Start Growing in Virginia?
Check out our complete growing guide and equipment recommendations.