Policy & Legislative Recommendations for 2026

Summary: The Virginia Hemp Coalition fundamentally believes that Cannabis Sativa, commonly referred to as hemp and marijuana, is an invaluable resource that should be freely cultivated, processed, manufactured, and consumed. This core tenet underlies our mission to promote the plant's benefits and eliminate the corrupt prohibition and bureaucratic impediments perpetuated by government powers at the federal and state levels. While we advocate for the abolition of unnecessary regulations, we also acknowledge the importance of fair and reasonable regulations for hemp/cannabis products, akin to those imposed on similar products.

The VHC proposes a three-category regulatory framework for these hemp/cannabis end products: industrial hemp products, dietary supplement/food products derived from hemp, and intoxicating cannabis products. This document outlines our policy and legislative recommendations for these categories, taking into account public safety, economic opportunities, inherent rights, and public health. We believe that policy and regulations for these categories are not complicated and can be modeled after existing regulations for similar products. Our hemp/cannabis policy agenda aligns with the principles of free markets, personal responsibility, reasonable regulations, and a level playing field. We advocate for hemp/cannabis-derived products to be treated with the same respect as other similar products in the American marketplace.

Industrial hemp policy: The cultivation, processing, and manufacturing of industrial hemp should be regulated similarly to corn, sunflowers, soybeans, flax, and timber. A simple registration process for hemp fields, including GPS coordinates and the use of certified industrial hemp seeds, is sufficient for regulation. It is essential to understand that laws and regulations permitting large-scale industrial hemp cultivation do not nullify laws regarding intoxicating cannabis production. We recommend a free market approach for industrial hemp, with grants, education, and support from the USDA and VDACS. Virginia can become a global leader in the industrial hemp industry.

Food and dietary supplement policy: Hemp flowers can be used to produce food and dietary supplements, including hemp hearts, hemp seed oil, and non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, and CBG. These products offer numerous health benefits, including protein, healthy fats, amino acids, and minerals. We recommend regulating hemp seeds and oils like olive oil and sunflower seeds, and CBD and other non-intoxicating cannabinoids like dietary supplements such as melatonin, turmeric, and fish oil. The USDA and VDACS should fully support the hemp food and cannabinoid industry, ensuring products are tested for purity and contaminants, properly labeled, and available to consumers of all ages.

Intoxicating cannabinoids policy: THC is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, responsible for its euphoric effects. Research suggests THC has proven medicinal benefits, and it is also used recreationally or to relax. We propose regulating THC-derived products similarly to beer and wine, with an age limit of 21, fair taxation, and licensing for stores that sell them or allow consumption on premise. These products should be tested for purity and contaminants, properly labeled with correctly tested amounts, and available to adult consumers in a free market. The government should also promote the cannabis industry and market similarly to the beer and wine industry, to generate tax revenue, create jobs, and support the economy.