The topic of medical cannabis access in the Shenandoah Valley has been the focus of recent legal developments, and we wanted to take a moment to share a quick update on where things stand—especially as it relates to Pure Shenandoah.

What’s Going On?

In early 2024, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority announced it was accepting applications for a medical cannabis permit in Health Service Area 1 (HSA 1), which includes the Shenandoah Valley. Dozens of organizations applied for the permit, including us.

Ultimately, the permit was awarded through a randomized lottery in September 2024. Pure Virginia, a company connected to our team at Pure Shenandoah, was not selected. Since then, several applicants—including Pure Virginia and others—have filed a lawsuit challenging the process used to determine the winner.

Why the Lawsuit?

The core issue centers on how the permit was awarded. Rather than being based solely on scoring or qualifications, the Cannabis Control Authority used a third-party random number generator to select the winner. The plaintiffs argue that this method lacked transparency and may have violated Virginia's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Administrative Process Act (VAPA).

The consolidated case is scheduled for a hearing on July 11, 2025.

What This Means for Patients

Unfortunately, this means that patients in the Shenandoah Valley region will continue to wait for access to licensed medical cannabis dispensaries close to home. Other parts of Virginia have access to medical cannabis through approved operators, but HSA 1 remains unserved until this legal process is resolved.

Stay Updated

We’ll continue to share any meaningful updates about the case and our role in it. In the meantime, if you’re looking for locally made, compliant CBD and hemp products, stop by our Elkton location or browse our collection online at www.pureshenandoah.com.

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