Virginia’s Cannabis Reform and Public Safety Act: A Brief History
In 2021, Virginia made history by becoming the first southern state to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. The Cannabis Reform and Public Safety Act, passed by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Ralph Northam, laid the groundwork for this significant policy change.
The act, which took effect on July 1, 2021, allowed adults aged 21 and older to cultivate up to four cannabis plants per household for personal use. It also established a framework for regulating the sale and possession of cannabis, including provisions for expunging prior marijuana-related convictions.
This landmark legislation marked a departure from Virginia’s previous approach to cannabis, which had been characterized by strict criminal penalties. The passage of the act reflected a growing recognition of the changing attitudes towards cannabis and the potential benefits of a more regulated approach.
VA Legal Cannabis Grow Requirements
This ground-breaking state law has allowed Virginia to become the first southern state to legalize cannabis for adult consumption which we believe is a monumental step forward. Now that the laws have changed in VA, there are rules you must follow in order to legally comply.

_
Let us simplify those rules so that you can properly grow at home.
- Sourcing Your Plant: According to the law, it is illegal to purchase seeds or plants in the state of Virginia. This legislative move does allow for a person to be gifted seeds or plant.
- Age Requirement: You must be an Adult 21 years old and older in order to grow cannabis at home.
- Identification Requirement: You must have anIdentification Tag on each plant that includes: Your Name, Your Driver’s License Number and your Phone Number.
- Quantity Requirement: You are permitted to have a total of 4 cannabis plants per household.
- Visibility Requirement: Your plant must be Out of Sight from the Public and Children.
- If indoorsyou must keep away from children in a locked and secure area.
- If outdoorsyou must keep away from children and public-view by placing in a fenced areathat is out of plain view, locked, and secure.
What’s Next for your Homegrown Cannabis Journey?
The importance of having the essentials grow supply could be the vital the difference between a healthy plant and one that wilts and eventually dies due to lack of care, nutrients or bad climate. Below is a list of the most common supplies that will assit Virginia grower’s with their homegrown cannabis operations.
Moreover, Redfern sells several of the items listed below for your convenience. Check-out the the Grow Supply store category to explore and purchase essential cannabis grow supplies.
Indoor Homegrown Cannabis Cultivation:
- Grow Tent: A controlled environment to regulate temperature, humidity, and light.
- Lighting System: LED or HID lights to provide adequate light for plant growth.
- Ballast: For HID lights.
- Reflector: To maximize light coverage.
- Grow Medium: Soil, hydroponics, or aeroponics.
- Nutrient Solution: For hydroponics or aeroponics.
- pH Meter: To measure the pH of the growing medium or nutrient solution.
- EC Meter: To measure the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution.
- Pot: Containers to hold the plants. We have durable and re-usable fabric pots online.
- Ventilation Fan: To maintain proper airflow.
- Humidity Controller: To regulate humidity levels.
- Temperature Gauge: To monitor temperature.
- Pruning Shears: For trimming and shaping plants.
- Potting Mix: For soil-based cultivation. Read this article to learn more about growing medium.
- Perlite or Coco Coir: To improve soil drainage and aeration.
Outdoor Homegrown Cannabis Cultivation:
- Raised Garden Bed: For better control over soil conditions and to protect plants from pests.
- Potting Mix: For container gardening.
- Perlite or Coco Coir: To improve soil drainage and aeration.
- Pruning Shears: For trimming and shaping plants.
- Trellis or Netting: To support plants, especially larger strains.
- Pest Control Products: To protect plants from insects and diseases.
- Weed Barrier: To prevent weeds from competing with your plants.
General Homegrown Cannabis Supplies:
- Seeds or Clones: The starting material for your plants. Redfern sell our clone starter gel online!
- Identification Tags: To label your plants with your personal information.
- Watering Can: For watering your plants.
- Gloves: For handling plants and soil.
- Harvesting Tools: Scissors or shears for cutting down plants.
- Drying Rack: To dry harvested buds.
- Storage Jar/Bag: For storing dried cannabis. Redfern sells multiple size grow bags specifically made for curing your harvest.
Conclusion:
Nowthat you are fully educated on what you must do to legally grow at home, go find some seeds or a plant and start your cannabis home grow today! Our website is full of educational material to help you become a successful home grower. Simply click on our Grow 101 tab below and learn some trade secrets that will increase your success!

a FREE gifted homegrown cannabis clone