Despite the sale of recreational marijuana being illegal in Virginia, more Hampton Roads entrepreneurs are getting into the industry.
A Google Maps search for “cannabis” gives results of at least nine local businesses. Dozens more companies pop up in a search for “CBD,” a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis.
The businesses are delving into more than just selling CBD oils and creams. Now, Hampton Roads companies and organizations are helping customers grow their own plants, access medical marijuana cards and develop job skills to prepare for the eventual legalization of retail sales. It’s uncertain whether the General Assembly will open the door to retail sales by a stated goal of 2024.
Helping customers grow their own
When former Gov. Ralph Northam decriminalized marijuana possession in 2021, the law also allowed Virginia residents to grow up to four cannabis plants at their place of residence.
Norfolk resident Phil Jernigan’s new business is helping prospective pot growers wade into the world of indoor growing. He opened Tidewater High Grow in May on Tidewater Drive just past the Interstate 64 interchange.
Inside the shop is everything from soil to grow lights to enormous hydroponic setups. Jernigan, who says he’s been growing for decades, hopes to start up classes soon to educate newbies.
“Since the law came in, you’ve got a lot of new and beginning growers starting up,” Jernigan said. “That’s a huge new market.”
Growing is an investment, Jernigan said. He estimated a decent hydroponic setup — a tent, fans, lights and other materials — could run upward of $1,200.
He also participates in a new trend — cannabis seed giveaways — as a way to promote his business. Aside from medical dispensaries, buying and selling marijuana is barred under the 2021 law, but “adult sharing” or gifting is possible.
Navigating medical marijuana
Michael Stoney began exploring marijuana after being shot twice in the arm and chest during his job as a narcotics detective in Queens, New York.
Stoney suffered from major pain episodes after the shooting, but he hated taking pain pills. After moving to Hampton Roads, Stoney realized weed and CBD were able to help him manage his pain, and he threw the opioids away.
Stoney, who owns PROH Wellness Center in Norfolk, now helps customers obtain medical marijuana licenses. For $125, customers can meet with a nurse practitioner, who reviews their symptoms and issues a written certification for cannabis use. PROH had also helped patients register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, but a law passed earlier this year discontinues that registration process starting July 1.
Beyond helping customers get medical marijuana cards, the business also offers life coach lessons — teaching good habits around diet, exercise and other factors.
“We want to talk to them a lot more about their lifestyle,” Stoney said.
Attracting minority entrepreneurs
Another Virginia group is focused on bringing nonwhite Hampton Roads residents into the cannabis industry in a variety of roles — everything from operating a dispensary to growing cannabis to learning job skills in preparation for retail sales.
Called the Virginia Minority Cannabis Commission, the nonprofit is centered around creating significant economic change for those most affected by decades of unfair drug laws, said Paul McLean, founder and executive director.
The group has already held several events in Hampton Roads where they attempt to bridge the cannabis education gap with faith and community leaders. The event also offers attendees a chance to learn how to get a head start on entering the industry before retail sales begin.
“It’s about creating opportunity and educating people,” McLean said.
Questions remain
The business owners acknowledged they were operating in an industry with an uncertain legislative future. After Republicans claimed the Virginia House of Delegates and the governorship in 2021, they punted on the issue of setting up retail cannabis sales. Democrats had set a goal of establishing a system by 2024, but then tried to push that date up during the 2022 session. Republicans blocked the attempt and offered no alternatives, according to Virginia Mercury reporting.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin and allies also inserted language into the state budget that recriminalizes having 4 ounces but less than a pound of marijuana in public as a misdemeanor. Lawmakers approved the change as part of the budget, which was signed into law by Youngkin.
McLean said he wasn’t surprised that legislators on both sides of the aisle were still trying to backtrack on marijuana laws.
“That is a real concern,” he said.
McLean noted the stigma the drug still faces, and the problems caused by legal drugs like prescription opioids and alcohol such as addiction and drunken driving.
Jernigan worried the backsliding would deter new growers and marijuana entrepreneurs from entering the market.
Stoney said he had thought, given the amount of money involved, that lawmakers would relent and establish a retail sales system. Still, he said he would continue to help his customers and had high hopes for the future of the industry.
“I want this to be a destination for tourists,” Stoney said. “I want Virginia to be proud.”
If you go
Tidewater High Grow is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 7441 Tidewater Drive in Norfolk.
PROH Wellness Center is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 223 E. City Hall Ave., Suite 327, in Norfolk.
The next Virginia Minority Cannabis Commission event is a free business of cannabis discussion at 9 a.m. July 23 at the Sixth Mt. Zion STREM Center at 1705 Aspenwood Drive in Hampton.
Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@pilotonline.com
