Virginia Cannabis Packaging Regulations: Everything You Need to Know

As Virginia prepares to launch its recreational cannabis market in May 2025, understanding Virginia cannabis packaging regulations is critical for businesses aiming to enter the space compliantly.

From child-resistant packaging to strict labeling protocols, these guidelines help ensure consumer safety, product transparency, and prevent appeal to minors.

Whether you’re a processor, distributor, or future dispensary operator, staying up-to-date with the Virginia cannabis packaging regulations is a must.

Regulatory Authorities and Legal Foundations

Cannabis packaging regulations in the Old Dominion State are set by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (VCCA) and the Board of Pharmacy. These two agencies manage and enforce packaging and labeling laws based on the Virginia Administrative Code and the Code of Virginia.

Cannabis businesses must comply with two key legal references:

• Title 3, Agency 10, Chapter 70: Packaging and Labeling Standards – This section outlines how cannabis products must be packaged to ensure consumer safety and product integrity.
• § 4.1-1603.1 of the Code of Virginia – This statute details specific packaging and labeling rules for cannabis products, including requirements for child-resistant containers and clear product information.

Both sets of rules aim to support safe cannabis use, reduce risk to minors, and provide clear guidance to licensed operators in Virginia.

Core Packaging Requirements

All cannabis products sold in Virginia must follow strict requirements to ensure safety and meet legal standards. These rules apply to both medical and adult-use cannabis products.

• Child-resistant – Packaging must meet standards set by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, helping to prevent accidental ingestion by children.
• Tamper-evident and light-resistant – These features help protect the product from contamination and light exposure, which can degrade quality.
• Opaque – Cannabis packaging in Virginia mandates that the contents are not visible, which helps reduce appeal and maintain privacy.
• No appeal to minors – Packaging and branding cannot imitate candy, snacks, or drinks. It must avoid cartoons or imagery that could attract children or teenagers.

Following these rules helps businesses stay compliant and reinforces public health and safety efforts across the state.

Labeling Standards

To meet Virginia cannabis labeling standards, each cannabis product must include clear, detailed information to help consumers make informed decisions. Labels must include:

• Processor’s name and address
• Registered product name and description
• Dosage instructions and the amount of product
• Batch and serial numbers for traceability
• Date of testing and packaging
• Expiration date (limited to 12 months unless extended by stability testing)
• Cannabinoid content – including THC, THCa, CBD, and CBDa
• Terpene profile
• List of active and inactive ingredients
• Safety instructions and required Virginia cannabis product warnings
• Lab analysis pass/fail results

All products must also display the universal cannabis symbol in Virginia, which signals that the item contains cannabis.

Bulk Product Labeling

Cannabis oil, botanical cannabis, and other bulk-packaged products in Virginia must follow specific bulk product labeling rules when they are not prepared for final sale.

Each bulk package must include:

• Name and addresses of both the distributing and receiving processors
• Product weight or quantity
• Contents and strain name
• A clear “Not Packaged for Final Sale” statement
• A unique serial number for tracking
• Harvest and packaging dates

These labels help maintain product traceability and ensure that bulk items are handled properly before retail packaging.

Dispensing Labels from Pharmacists

For dispensary cannabis in Virginia, pharmacists must add a separate dispensing label that gives patients clear and accurate product information. This label must include:

• Serial number
• Strength and amount of the product
• Dispensing date
• Patient name and prescribing doctor’s name
• Usage directions
• Storage requirements
• Expiration date
• Full terpene and cannabinoid profile
• Testing results

These labels ensure patients receive safe, consistent products with proper guidance for use.

Special Rules for Hemp-Derived Products

Hemp-derived products (i.e. CBD oil) must also meet strict packaging rules under Virginia law. Still, these are similar to the above-mentioned regulations:

• Child-resistant and tamper-evident features
• A complete ingredient list
• Clear display of THC content per serving and per package
• Defined serving size
• A visible statement: “Product may not be sold to persons younger than 21 years of age.”
• A certificate of analysis (CoA) from an accredited lab confirming safety and compliance

Storage and Disposal Guidance

To follow cannabis packaging regulations, proper storage and disposal practices are mandatory for safety and legal compliance.

• Store all cannabis products in a secure location, out of reach of minors.
• To dispose of expired or unused products, mix them with undesirable substances like dirt or coffee grounds. Then, seal the mixture in a container before placing it in the trash.
• Usable cannabis must be discarded within ten days after a patient’s certification expires.

These steps help prevent misuse and reduce accidental exposure, especially for children and pets.

Final Word

As Virginia’s cannabis industry continues to grow, staying informed about evolving packaging and labeling restrictions is crucial for compliance and consumer safety.

If you’re a cannabis business in Virginia and unsure where to begin, Custom 420 Supply has you covered. We offer fully compliant cannabis packaging and label/brand design to ensure you stand out and maintain legal standards.

Interested in starting? We invite you to reach out through our contact page today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)