First in the South: The Politics of Cannabis in Virginia

Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Intercontinental Washington, D.C. - The Wharf | 801 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Virginia made history in 2021 as the first Southern state to legalize adult-use cannabis, but the journey since has included vetoes, delays, and hard-fought negotiations. Now, with a new governor and retail sales within reach, the Commonwealth is poised to lead the South once again. Moderated by Radhika Gupta Murari ’95, P ’29, together with Virginia Senator Lashrecse Aird, Virginia State Delegate Paul Krizek - patrons of the adult-use retail sales legislation; JM Pedini, director of Virginia NORML; and former Senator Adam Ebbin, now Senior Advisor at the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority and a key architect of the Commonwealth’s cannabis policy for over a decade.

As retail sales approach, Virginia represents a major business opportunity, with projections estimating a $1.5–$2 billion annual market driven by population size, regional demand, and early-stage market dynamics seen in states like Maryland and Illinois.

Join us to learn what it took to get here and what comes next for Virginia, the South and the nation.

Price: $10