Virginia Cannabis Control Authority Forms New Practitioner Training Program

In a recent press release, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) announced that after receiving feedback from the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority practitioner survey that took place in the Spring of 2025, the organization has formed a partnership with TheAnswerPage.com. With this partnership, the CCA will be able to provide optional online training for practitioners so that they may have the tools that can help with providing further patient care (1).

The CCA’s new practitioner program will involve three-course training that will delve into information regarding the Old Dominion State’s medical cannabis program, the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in a clinical care environment, and medical cannabis (1). The press release explained that (1), “It offers a detailed look at the endocannabinoid system, therapeutic uses, and clinical considerations for patients. The training is accredited for physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and dentists; participants can earn up to 5 CME/CE credits.”

“This training empowers practitioners to meet their patients where they are,” said Jamie Patten, Acting Head and Chief Administrative Officer at the CCA (1). “Patients often come to their doctors with questions about cannabis, but many providers aren’t sure how to respond. This optional course gives them the science-based foundation they need to feel confident in those conversations.”

This new training offering may be found to be beneficial to all practitioners, as well as individuals who provide written certifications for medical cannabis (1). “With more patients using cannabis products, it is becoming essential for all health care professionals to understand the health effects, potential drug interactions, and therapeutic values of cannabis,” according to the press release (1).

Seed-to-Sale Tracking System Introduced in Virginia

Virginia launched a seed-to-sale tracking system in September 2025, for medical cannabis sales, and the latest results are in. On September 16, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) published data on the sales and plans for the future (2).

As listed in the news release, data from July and August 2025 included:

• 17,786 plants harvested
• $29,942,138 in sales
• 256,432 transactions

The data also tracked the most commonly chosen types of products patients choose:

• Flower (buds) – 47%
• Concentrates – 32%
• Infused edibles – 15%
• Shake trim – 5%

Only licensed medical cannabis companies can use the sed-to-sale system, enhancing safety by ensuring only tested and regulated products reach patients.

“This system gives us a clear, real-time view of medical cannabis across Virginia,” said Jamie Patten, Acting Head and Chief Administrative Officer of the CCA, in the September 16 press release (2). “We can see which products are popular, track plant growth, and understand sales trends. That information helps us protect patients, prevent illegal products from entering the market, and make smart decisions for the program’s future.”

The CCA also plans on producing a public dashboard for additional transparency in the program.

The seed-to-sale system is operated by Metrc, a cannabis retail and regulation technology company in use in several states. In California, Metrc recently added a new feature allowing consumers direct access to testing, safety, and recalls of products by scanning the QR code on packages (2). Earlier this year, Metrc also signed a contract with the US Virgin Islands for the track-and-trace platform in order to support the regulation of its medical and recreational cannabis markets (2).

Virginia Governor Youngkin Vetoes Medical Cannabis Bill

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin recently vetoed HB 1989, a medical cannabis bill which aimed to help make improvements to product labeling for medical cannabis products as well as “codify permissible delivery locations,” (3). With the bill no longer able to become law, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority regulations will now be taken into effect. These include decreasing access for medical cannabis patients. Medical cannabis will only be allowed to be delivered to the patient’s residence (3).

Governor Youngkin in his Veto statement (3) said, “Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 1989, which relates to delivery options for medical cannabis and labeling requirements for such products.” The Governor further expressed (3,4), “While accurate labeling is essential to ensure patients receive consistent and safe medical cannabis, this bill would codify the ability to deliver medical cannabis to commercial businesses and temporary residences, raising public safety and regulatory concerns. Permitting deliveries to businesses—including locations where substance abuse, gambling, or other high-risk activities may occur—creates unnecessary risks for diversion, theft, and unintended access by minors.”

The Virginia Governor felt that (3), “Current regulations already provide for safe, tightly controlled home delivery of medical cannabis. This framework ensures access for patients while maintaining strong safeguards to prevent misuse. Accordingly, I veto this bill.”

References

1. Accredited cannabis training now available for Virginia practitioners https://cca.virginia.gov/news/accredited-cannabis-training-now-available-for-virginia-practitioners (accessed Nov 3, 2025).
2. McEvoy, E. Virginia reports $30 million in medical cannabis sales with new seed-to-sale tracking system https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/virginia-reports-30-million-in-medical-cannabis-sales-with-new-seed-to-sale-tracking-system (accessed Nov 3, 2025).
3. Colli, M. Medical Cannabis Bill Vetoed by Virginia Governor. May 9, 2025. https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/medical-cannabis-bill-vetoed-by-virginia-governor (accessed Sept 22, 2025).