Running a successful hemp retail business isn’t just about stocking the right products—it’s about staying compliant. In Virginia, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) enforces strict hemp retail compliance rules, and most violations they flag aren’t intentional. They’re usually simple oversights that can cost you money, product, and reputation.
At Pure Shenandoah, we help retailers across Virginia not only stock high-quality hemp products but also stay on top of Virginia hemp compliance. Below are the five most common VDACS hemp retail violations—and how to avoid them.
Issue: Missing or incorrect cannabinoid content per serving, or labels without batch/lot numbers and expiration dates.
How to fix it: Always request Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from suppliers and make sure your product labels match the claims on those COAs. Every label should include batch/lot numbers and proper expiration dates so products can be traced back to testing results. Retailers should double-check new shipments before stocking shelves. Meeting Virginia hemp labeling requirements is one of the simplest ways to stay compliant.
Issue: Gummies shaped like bears, bright candy-style wrappers, fruit imagery, or cartoon characters that could appeal to minors. Regulators have made it clear that fruit images can also trigger fines if they resemble traditional candy or snack packaging.
How to fix it: Stick to plain, professional branding. Think pharmacy-style packaging, not candy aisle. If you’re wondering what hemp packaging is allowed in Virginia, the safest rule of thumb is to keep it simple, clinical, and non-flashy.
Issue: Selling products without valid COAs or relying only on a supplier’s word.
How to fix it: Keep both digital and printed COAs readily available in-store. But don’t stop there — make sure those COAs come from third-party accredited labs to ensure safety, potency, and compliance. This is one of the most common points on any hemp retailer compliance checklist in Virginia, and it’s also one of the most important for consumer trust.
Issue: Marketing hemp products as cures or treatments for conditions like anxiety, pain, or disease.
How to fix it: Use lifestyle and wellness language instead. Phrases like “promotes relaxation” or “supports focus” are compliant alternatives that still connect with customers. This applies whether you’re in CBD retail or hemp—Virginia hemp retailer laws prohibit unverified health claims in all cases.
Want to see real examples of what gets flagged? The FDA publishes warning letters for cannabis and CBD products here. Checking this list helps you learn from other businesses’ mistakes.
Issue: No system in place to prevent sales to minors.
How to fix it: Treat hemp sales the same as alcohol. ID anyone under 30 and make sure your staff understands the policy. In Virginia, CBD products can legally be sold to customers 18+, while THC products must be restricted to customers 21+. Many CBD retail compliance violations happen because employees aren’t properly trained on age verification.
Use this list as a hemp retailer compliance checklist for Virginia. Walk through your shelves, labels, packaging, and sales procedures. Catching issues now means avoiding fines for hemp retail stores and protecting your business reputation later.
To put it in perspective, Virginia hemp businesses have been fined more than $12 million since July 2023 — including $1.6 million in just one month. You can read more about those penalties in this report: Virginia Hemp Businesses Fined $12.4 Million Since July 2023.
At Pure Shenandoah, we work with retailers across Virginia to provide compliant, lab-tested hemp products that meet VDACS standards.
👉 Apply here to become a wholesale partner and stock your shelves with confidence.
Or explore more compliance resources in our Wholesale Hemp Guide for Virginia businesses.
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