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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>85438</law_id><section_number>4.1-604</section_number><catch_line>Powers and duties of the Board</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><referred_to_by><reference>4.1-605</reference></referred_to_by><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="4.1">Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control</unit><unit label="subtitle" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="II">Cannabis Control Act</unit><unit label="chapter" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="6">General Provisions</unit></structure><text>
						<section><p>The <span class="dictionary">Board</span> shall have the following powers and duties:</p></section>
						<section id="1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> Promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (&#xA7; <a class="law" title="Short title; purpose" href="/2.2-4000/">2.2-4000</a> et seq.) and &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Regulations of the Board" href="/4.1-606/">4.1-606</a>; <a id="paragraph-306044" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="2"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> Control the <span class="dictionary">possession</span>, <span class="dictionary">sale</span>, transportation, and delivery of marijuana and <span class="dictionary">marijuana products</span>; <a id="paragraph-306045" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="3"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> Grant, suspend, restrict, revoke, or refuse to grant or renew any license or permit issued or authorized pursuant to this subtitle; <a id="paragraph-306046" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="4"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> Determine the nature, form, and capacity of all containers used for holding <span class="dictionary">marijuana products</span> to be kept or sold and prescribe the form and content of all labels and seals to be placed thereon; <a id="paragraph-306047" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="5"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> Maintain actions to enjoin common nuisances as defined in &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Reserved" href="/4.1-1113/">4.1-1113</a>; <a id="paragraph-306048" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="6"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> Establish standards and implement an online course for employees of <span class="dictionary">retail marijuana stores</span> that trains employees on how to educate consumers on the potential risks of marijuana use; <a id="paragraph-306049" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="7"><p><span class="prefix-number">7.</span> Establish a plan to develop and disseminate to <span class="dictionary">retail marijuana store</span> <span class="dictionary">licensees</span> a pamphlet or similar document regarding the potential risks of marijuana use to be prominently displayed and made available to consumers; <a id="paragraph-306050" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#7"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="8"><p><span class="prefix-number">8.</span> Establish a position for a Cannabis Social <span class="dictionary">Equity</span> Liaison who shall lead the Cannabis Business <span class="dictionary">Equity</span> and Diversity Support Team and liaise with the Director of Diversity, <span class="dictionary">Equity</span>, and Inclusion on matters related to diversity, <span class="dictionary">equity</span>, and inclusion standards in the marijuana industry; <a id="paragraph-306051" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#8"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="9"><p><span class="prefix-number">9.</span> Establish a Cannabis Business <span class="dictionary">Equity</span> and Diversity Support Team, which shall (i) develop requirements for the creation and submission of diversity, <span class="dictionary">equity</span>, and inclusion plans by persons who wish to possess a license in more than one license category pursuant to subsection C of &#xA7; 4.1-805, which may include a requirement that the <span class="dictionary">licensee</span> participate in social <span class="dictionary">equity</span> apprenticeship plan, and an approval process and requirements for implementation of such plans; (ii) be responsible for conducting an analysis of potential barriers to entry for small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses and veteran-owned businesses interested in participating in the marijuana industry and recommending strategies to effectively mitigate such potential barriers; (iii) provide assistance with business planning for potential <span class="dictionary">marijuana establishment</span> <span class="dictionary">licensees</span>; (iv) spread awareness of business opportunities related to the marijuana marketplace in areas disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement; (v) provide technical assistance in navigating the administrative process to potential <span class="dictionary">marijuana establishment</span> <span class="dictionary">licensees</span>; and (vi) conduct other outreach initiatives in areas disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement as necessary; <a id="paragraph-306052" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#9"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="10"><p><span class="prefix-number">10.</span> Establish a position for an individual with professional experience in a health related field who shall staff the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council, established pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council; purpose; membership; quorum; meetings; compensation and expenses; duties" href="/4.1-603/">4.1-603</a>, liaise with the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and relevant health and human services agencies and organizations, and perform other duties as needed; <a id="paragraph-306053" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#10"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="11"><p><span class="prefix-number">11.</span> Establish and implement a plan, in coordination with the Cannabis Social <span class="dictionary">Equity</span> Liaison and the Director of Diversity, <span class="dictionary">Equity</span>, and Inclusion to promote and encourage participation in the marijuana industry by people from communities that have been disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement and to positively impact those communities; <a id="paragraph-306054" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#11"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="12"><p><span class="prefix-number">12.</span> Sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, and complain and defend in all <span class="dictionary">courts</span>; <a id="paragraph-306055" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#12"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="13"><p><span class="prefix-number">13.</span> Adopt, use, and alter at will a common seal; <a id="paragraph-306056" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#13"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="14"><p><span class="prefix-number">14.</span> Fix, alter, charge, and collect rates, rentals, fees, and other charges for the use of property of, the <span class="dictionary">sale</span> of products of, or services rendered by the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span> at rates to be determined by the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span> for the purpose of providing for the payment of the expenses of the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span>; <a id="paragraph-306057" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#14"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="15"><p><span class="prefix-number">15.</span> Make and enter into all <span class="dictionary">contracts</span> and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties, the furtherance of its purposes, and the execution of its powers under this subtitle, including agreements with any person or federal agency; <a id="paragraph-306058" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#15"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="16"><p><span class="prefix-number">16.</span> Employ, at its discretion, consultants, researchers, architects, engineers, accountants, financial experts, investment bankers, superintendents, managers, and such other employees and <span class="dictionary">special agents</span> as may be necessary and fix their compensation to be payable from funds made available to the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span>. Legal services for the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span> shall be provided by the <span class="dictionary">Attorney General</span> in accordance with Chapter 5 (&#xA7; <a class="law" title="Attorney General to be chief executive officer; duties generally" href="/2.2-500/">2.2-500</a> et seq.) of Title 2.2; <a id="paragraph-306059" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#16"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="17"><p><span class="prefix-number">17.</span> Receive and accept from any federal or private agency, foundation, corporation, association, or person grants or other aid to be expended in accomplishing the objectives of the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span>, and receive and accept from the Commonwealth or any state and any municipality, county, or other political subdivision thereof or from any other source aid or contributions of either money, property, or other things of value, to be held, used, and applied only for the purposes for which such grants and contributions may be made. All federal moneys accepted under this section shall be accepted and expended by the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span> upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the United States and as are consistent with state <span class="dictionary">law</span>, and all state moneys accepted under this section shall be expended by the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span> upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the Commonwealth; <a id="paragraph-306060" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#17"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="18"><p><span class="prefix-number">18.</span> Adopt, alter, and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations governing the manner in which its business shall be transacted and the manner in which the powers of the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span> shall be exercised and its duties performed. The <span class="dictionary">Board</span> may delegate or assign any duty or task to be performed by the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span> to any officer or employee of the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span>. The <span class="dictionary">Board</span> shall remain responsible for the performance of any such duties or tasks. Any delegation pursuant to this subdivision shall, where appropriate, be accompanied by written guidelines for the exercise of the duties or tasks delegated. Where appropriate, the guidelines shall require that the <span class="dictionary">Board</span> receive summaries of actions taken. Such delegation or assignment shall not relieve the <span class="dictionary">Board</span> of the responsibility to ensure faithful performance of the duties and tasks; <a id="paragraph-306061" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#18"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="19"><p><span class="prefix-number">19.</span> Conduct or engage in any lawful business, activity, effort, or project consistent with the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span>&#x2019;s purposes or necessary or convenient to exercise its powers; <a id="paragraph-306062" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#19"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="20"><p><span class="prefix-number">20.</span> Develop policies and procedures generally applicable to the procurement of goods, services, and construction, based upon competitive principles; <a id="paragraph-306063" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#20"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="21"><p><span class="prefix-number">21.</span> Develop policies and procedures consistent with Article 4 (&#xA7; <a class="law" title="Definitions" href="/2.2-4347/">2.2-4347</a> et seq.) of Chapter 43 of Title 2.2; <a id="paragraph-306064" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#21"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="22"><p><span class="prefix-number">22.</span> Acquire, purchase, hold, use, lease, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein necessary or desirable for carrying out the purposes of the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span>; lease as lessee any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at such annual rental and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the <span class="dictionary">Board</span>; lease as lessor to any person any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired by the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span>, whether wholly or partially completed, at such annual rental and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the <span class="dictionary">Board</span>; <span class="dictionary">sell</span>, transfer, or convey any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired or held by the <span class="dictionary">Authority</span> on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the <span class="dictionary">Board</span>; and occupy and improve any land or building required for the purposes of this subtitle; <a id="paragraph-306065" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#22"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="23"><p><span class="prefix-number">23.</span> Purchase, lease, or acquire the use of, by any manner, any plant or equipment that may be considered necessary or useful in carrying into effect the purposes of this subtitle, including rectifying, blending, and processing plants; <a id="paragraph-306066" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#23"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="24"><p><span class="prefix-number">24.</span> Appoint every agent and employee required for its operations, require any or all of them to give <span class="dictionary">bonds</span> payable to the Commonwealth in such <span class="dictionary">penalty</span> as shall be fixed by the <span class="dictionary">Board</span>, and engage the services of experts and professionals; <a id="paragraph-306067" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#24"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="25"><p><span class="prefix-number">25.</span> Hold and conduct <span class="dictionary">hearings</span>, <span class="dictionary">issue</span> <span class="dictionary">subpoenas</span> requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of records, memoranda, papers, and other documents before the <span class="dictionary">Board</span> or any agent of the <span class="dictionary">Board</span>, and administer <span class="dictionary">oaths</span> and take <span class="dictionary">testimony</span> thereunder. The <span class="dictionary">Board</span> may authorize any <span class="dictionary">Board</span> member or agent of the <span class="dictionary">Board</span> to hold and conduct <span class="dictionary">hearings</span>, <span class="dictionary">issue</span> <span class="dictionary">subpoenas</span>, administer <span class="dictionary">oaths</span> and take <span class="dictionary">testimony</span> thereunder, and decide cases, subject to final decision by the <span class="dictionary">Board</span>, on application of any <span class="dictionary">party</span> aggrieved. The <span class="dictionary">Board</span> may enter into consent agreements and may request and accept from any applicant, <span class="dictionary">licensee</span>, or permittee a consent agreement in lieu of proceedings on (i) objections to the issuance of a license or permit or (ii) disciplinary action. Any such consent agreement (a) shall include <span class="dictionary">findings</span> of <span class="dictionary">fact</span> and provisions regarding whether the terms of the consent agreement are confidential and (b) may include an admission or a <span class="dictionary">finding</span> of a violation. A consent agreement shall not be considered a case decision of the <span class="dictionary">Board</span> and shall not be subject to judicial review under the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (&#xA7; <a class="law" title="Short title; purpose" href="/2.2-4000/">2.2-4000</a> et seq.), but may be considered by the <span class="dictionary">Board</span> in future disciplinary proceedings; <a id="paragraph-306068" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#25"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="26"><p><span class="prefix-number">26.</span> Make a reasonable charge for preparing and furnishing statistical information and compilations to persons other than (i) officials, including <span class="dictionary">court</span> and police officials, of the Commonwealth and of its subdivisions if the information requested is for official use and (ii) persons who have a personal or legal interest in obtaining the information requested if such information is not to be used for commercial or trade purposes; <a id="paragraph-306069" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#26"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="27"><p><span class="prefix-number">27.</span> Take appropriate disciplinary action and assess and collect civil penalties and civil charges for violations of this subtitle and <span class="dictionary">Board</span> regulations; <a id="paragraph-306070" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#27"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="28"><p><span class="prefix-number">28.</span> Review and approve any proposed legislative or regulatory changes suggested by the Chief Executive Officer as the <span class="dictionary">Board</span> deems appropriate; <a id="paragraph-306071" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#28"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="29"><p><span class="prefix-number">29.</span> Report quarterly to the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security on the <span class="dictionary">law</span>-enforcement activities undertaken to enforce the provisions of this subtitle; <a id="paragraph-306072" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#29"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="30"><p><span class="prefix-number">30.</span> Establish and collect fees for all permits set forth in this subtitle, including fees associated with applications for such permits; <a id="paragraph-306073" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#30"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="31"><p><span class="prefix-number">31.</span> Develop and make available on its website guidance documents regarding compliance and safe practices for persons who <span class="dictionary">cultivate</span> marijuana at home for personal use, which shall include information regarding <span class="dictionary">cultivation</span> practices that promote personal and public safety, including child protection, and discourage practices that create a nuisance; <a id="paragraph-306074" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#31"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="32"><p><span class="prefix-number">32.</span> Develop and make available on its website a resource that provides information regarding (i) responsible marijuana consumption; (ii) health risks and other dangers associated with marijuana consumption, including inability to operate a motor vehicle and other types of transportation and equipment; and (iii) ancillary effects of marijuana consumption, including ineligibility for certain employment opportunities. The <span class="dictionary">Board</span> shall require that the web address for such resource be included on the label of all retail marijuana and retail marijuana product as provided in &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Outdoor advertising restrictions; limitations; variances" href="/4.1-1402/">4.1-1402</a>; and <a id="paragraph-306075" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#32"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="33"><p><span class="prefix-number">33.</span> Do all acts necessary or advisable to carry out the purposes of this subtitle. <a id="paragraph-306076" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/4.1-604/#33"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551; 2023, cc. 740, 773.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
