parks
Virginia to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in retail stores beginning in 2027
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· 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 Waco
The development in Virginia has implications for McLennan County, where local leaders have been watching the evolution of marijuana policies in other states. As Virginia prepares to launch its recreational marijuana retail market, Waco residents may wonder if similar changes could come to Texas. While Texas has not followed Virginia's lead on recreational marijuana, the Lone Star State has made some moves towards loosening restrictions, such as allowing low-THC cannabis for medical use. The potential revenue generated by Virginia's excise tax, estimated at $51 million in the first year, could also spark interest in Texas, where lawmakers often look for new sources of income to fund state programs. As the national landscape on marijuana policy continues to shift, Waco's community and business leaders will likely be monitoring developments in states like Virginia to inform their own discussions about the future of cannabis in Texas.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco 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 KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
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 KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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