As Virginia Prepares for Cannabis Licensing, Stafford Event Connects Prospective Operators with State Regulators and Industry Experts
The November 12 event follows Stafford County’s recent cannabis regulatory discussions, offering direct access to state regulators, industry experts, and business resources.
STAFFORD, VA — As Virginia prepares to launch its adult-use cannabis retail market on July 1, 2027, prospective license applicants and entrepreneurs have an opportunity to get informed and connected ahead of the state’s licensing process.
On Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Cannabis Community Conversations: How to Prepare for Virginia’s Retail Market will bring together the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA), legal professionals, industry experts, and business resource partners for a FREE community education event in Stafford, Virginia.
The event follows an October 27 Stafford County Board of Supervisors work session addressing local cannabis regulations, licensing, problematic uses, and implementation timelines. With discussions advancing at the state and local levels and the application process for some licensing types opening on February 1, 2027, the time for prospective cannabis operators to prepare is now.
Attendees will hear firsthand from the CCA about Virginia’s draft retail marijuana regulations, receive guidance from industry experts, and connect with professional service providers offering support in licensing preparation, business planning, compliance, financing, and operations.
Local government leaders from Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline have been invited, with some already confirmed to attend. Community members are encouraged to participate, connect directly with local leadership, and learn how Virginia’s emerging cannabis retail market could impact their communities, particularly as local governments consider regulations that will shape how cannabis businesses operate in the region.
“Virginia’s cannabis market is taking shape right now, and the decisions being made today will directly impact the businesses preparing to enter it,” said Sarah Kiah Morton, CEO and Co-Founder of LOCKGREEN and the event organizer. “We’re connecting aspiring operators with credible information and the professional resources they’ll need to move from an idea to an operational business.”
Strategically located between Washington, DC, and Richmond, Stafford provides convenient access for entrepreneurs throughout Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and surrounding communities traditionally underserved by cannabis business education events.
This is the third Cannabis Community Conversations event hosted by the organizers in 2026, following successful events in Virginia Beach in April and July. Organizations interested in partnership requests, please contact Sarah Kiah Morton at 757.204.5625 or hello@lock-green.com.
Event Details
Cannabis Community Conversations: How to Prepare for Virginia’s Retail Market
- Date/Time: Thursday, November 12, 2026 – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
- Time: Location: Courthouse Community Center, 29 Stafford Avenue, Stafford, VA 22554
- Admission: FREE
- Who Should Attend: Prospective cannabis license applicants, entrepreneurs, investors, existing operators, and industry professionals interested in Virginia’s emerging cannabis market.
- Registration: Space is limited – RSVP here to secure your spot:
Event Panelists:
- Jamie Patten – Acting Head and Chief Administrative Officer, Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
- LaTonya Warren – CEO & Founder, Armintia LLC
- Chelsea Higgs Wise, MSW – Executive Director, Marijuana Justice
- Thomas Malone – General Counsel, Pure Shenandoah
- Lonnie Hayes – Virginia State Director, Minorities for Medical Marijuana
- Moderated by: Sarah Kiah Morton — CEO & Co-Founder, LOCKGREEN
About the Event Organizers
LOCKGREEN | www.lock-green.com
LOCKGREEN stash boxes give cannabis consumers peace of mind as they safely store and travel with cannabis. They are smell-proof and have a built-in combination lock that provides the protection needed to keep kids, pets, and other unwanted guests out, while also helping to prevent open container law violations when traveling in a car with cannabis.
LOCKGREEN’s mission is to help PREVENT cannabis law violations by educating the community on applicable laws and hot topics and providing stash boxes that meet and exceed most states’ requirements for cannabis storage and vehicle travel.
Armintia | www.armintia.com
Armintia provides science-based education, workforce development, and regulatory training designed to support safe, compliant, and scalable operations in state-regulated markets.
Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) | www.minorities4medicalmarijuana.org
Founded in 2016, M4MM is a national nonprofit advancing cannabis industry advocacy, education, research, social equity, public policy, and health and wellness initiatives.
Media Contact
Sarah Kiah Morton
CEO & Co-Founder, LOCKGREEN
757-204-5625 | hello@lock-green.com
www.lock-green.com
