The cannabis space is young in Virginia, but valuable lessons from the past could provide an edge to those paying close attention.

In addition to establishing a medical marijuana regime some years ago, the Virginia General Assembly legalized adult possession of recreational marijuana without creating a legal retail market. Several retail establishments then emerged throughout the commonwealth purporting to “gift” marijuana to their customers alongside a non-marijuana purchase.

Click here to read the full article in Virginia Lawyers Weekly.


Our Cannabis Practice provides advice on issues related to applicable federal and state law. Marijuana remains an illegal controlled substance under federal law.

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Photo of Jean Smith-Gonnell Jean Smith-Gonnell

Jean has dedicated her entire career to the cannabis sector, helping growers, dispensaries, investors, receivers, and other stakeholders achieve their business goals and prepare for unexpected issues. She has extensive experience with medical marijuana, retail marijuana, hemp, and CBD products, and helps clients…

Jean has dedicated her entire career to the cannabis sector, helping growers, dispensaries, investors, receivers, and other stakeholders achieve their business goals and prepare for unexpected issues. She has extensive experience with medical marijuana, retail marijuana, hemp, and CBD products, and helps clients as they establish their businesses, mitigate risk, and resolve disputes. Known for responding to clients within 24 hours or less, Jean is also a go-to advisor for a wide range of day-to-day operational issues.

Photo of Agustin Rodriguez Agustin Rodriguez

Agustin is sought after by clients for his strategic counsel on their most challenging competitive and regulatory compliance issues, including tobacco Master Settlement Agreement issues, federal and state enforcement investigations, licensing and excise tax issues, developing compliance programs, and evaluating advertising and marketing…

Agustin is sought after by clients for his strategic counsel on their most challenging competitive and regulatory compliance issues, including tobacco Master Settlement Agreement issues, federal and state enforcement investigations, licensing and excise tax issues, developing compliance programs, and evaluating advertising and marketing practices. A partner in the firm’s Regulatory Investigations, Strategy + Enforcement (RISE) Practice Group as well as its Tobacco and Cannabis law practices, he represents manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and suppliers in all aspects of their businesses, including regulatory compliance, FDA requirements, administrative disputes involving federal or state governmental entities, mergers and acquisitions, commercial agreements, and taxation matters.

Photo of Stephen C. Piepgrass Stephen C. Piepgrass

Stephen leads the firm’s Regulatory Investigations, Strategy + Enforcement (RISE) Practice Group. He focuses his practice on enforcement actions, investigations, and litigation. Stephen primarily represents clients engaging with, or being investigated by, state attorneys general and other state or local governmental enforcement bodies,

Stephen leads the firm’s Regulatory Investigations, Strategy + Enforcement (RISE) Practice Group. He focuses his practice on enforcement actions, investigations, and litigation. Stephen primarily represents clients engaging with, or being investigated by, state attorneys general and other state or local governmental enforcement bodies, including the CFPB and FTC, as well as clients involved with litigation, with a particular focus on heavily regulated industries. He also has experience advising clients on data and privacy issues, including handling complex investigations into data incidents by state attorneys general other state and federal regulators. Additionally, Stephen provides strategic counsel to Troutman Pepper’s Strategies clients who need assistance with public policy, advocacy, and government relations strategies.

Photo of Zie Alere Zie Alere

Zie is an associate in the firm’s Regulatory Investigations, Strategy + Enforcement Practice Group. He assists in developing effective strategies to help deter or mitigate the risk of enforcement actions and litigation. As a summer associate, Zie drafted compliance guidelines, worked on pro…

Zie is an associate in the firm’s Regulatory Investigations, Strategy + Enforcement Practice Group. He assists in developing effective strategies to help deter or mitigate the risk of enforcement actions and litigation. As a summer associate, Zie drafted compliance guidelines, worked on pro bono matters, and created analytical memoranda.