CSBA Triumphs at 2026 Virginia Lobby Day: Advocating for a Thriving Cannabis Small Business Ecosystem

The Cannabis Small Business Association (CSBA) marked a resounding success at its annual Lobby Day on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Virginia General Assembly. Bringing together dedicated members, legislative staff, and policymakers, the event showcased the power of collective advocacy in shaping equitable policies for Virginia's burgeoning cannabis industry. With a packed schedule of networking, strategic meetings, and high-profile recognitions, participants left energized and optimistic about the future of small cannabis businesses in the Commonwealth.

As Virginia continues to navigate the complexities of cannabis legalization, CSBA's Lobby Day served as a pivotal platform to amplify the voices of small operators. The association, representing entrepreneurs and stakeholders committed to fair market access, focused on key legislative priorities aimed at fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. "This day wasn't just about meetings—it was about building real momentum for policies that empower small businesses to compete and thrive," said Matt, a key CSBA organizer. The event's seamless execution and productive outcomes underscored CSBA's growing influence in Richmond.

A Day of Purposeful Engagement: Event Highlights

The day's agenda was meticulously designed to maximize impact, blending informal networking with targeted advocacy. Here's a recap of the schedule and standout moments:

• 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.: Breakfast Networking Mixer with Legislative Staff Held in the 7th Floor House North Meeting Room at the General Assembly Building (201 N 9th St, Richmond, VA), this kickoff session set a collaborative tone. Over coffee and light fare, CSBA members connected with legislative aides and staffers, laying the groundwork for meaningful discussions. Attendees shared insights on industry challenges, forging early alliances that carried through the day.

  
  

  

  
  

• 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.: Morning Legislative Meetings Participants dove into personalized meetings with lawmakers and their teams. These sessions focused on advancing CSBA's 2026 priorities, including amendments to bills like SB 542/HB 642 (sponsored by Senators Aird and Krezik), which aim to establish a balanced framework for retail marijuana markets. Key recommendations discussed included delaying the retail market launch to May 1, 2027, for adequate preparation; adopting statewide zoning standards with 500-foot buffers to ensure fair access for small operators; and updating hemp grower eligibility to January 1, 2024, to support microbusinesses. Feedback from legislators was overwhelmingly positive, with several expressing support for these measures to prevent market monopolization and promote local entrepreneurship.

  
  

• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Formal Introduction and Recognition from the House Gallery The event's pinnacle moment came in the House Gallery, where CSBA members were officially welcomed and recognized by the House of Delegates. Standing united, the group received applause and acknowledgments for their contributions to Virginia's cannabis policy landscape. This public endorsement not only boosted morale but also highlighted the association's role in driving progressive change, reinforcing the importance of small business advocacy in legislative halls.

• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Lunch Break In the General Assembly Building's first-floor cafeteria, attendees recharged with a casual lunch, reflecting on morning successes and strategizing for the afternoon. Conversations buzzed with optimism, as members exchanged notes on productive dialogues and potential bill amendments.

  
  

• 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.: Afternoon Legislative Meetings Building on the morning's momentum, the group resumed targeted advocacy. Discussions delved deeper into bills such as SB 826 (Lucas), which proposes a regulatory tax framework for retail marijuana sales, with CSBA pushing for a restructured system capping total taxes at 10% to reduce consumer burden and prevent market fragmentation. Other priorities included SB 543 (Aird) for enhanced enforcement processes and due diligence in violations, and SB 62/HB 26 (Lucas/Henson) to support reviews of marijuana-related convictions, aligning with broader criminal justice reform goals. Real progress was evident, with commitments from several offices to incorporate CSBA's input into upcoming amendments.

  
  

• 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Evening Networking Reception (Happy Hour) The day culminated at Vagabond (700 E Broad St, Richmond, VA), where members unwound over drinks and appetizers. This relaxed setting fostered deeper connections, with stories of the day's wins inspiring plans for future initiatives. The reception solidified partnerships and left everyone motivated to continue the fight for equitable cannabis policies.

  
  

Tangible Progress and Lasting Impact

Everything unfolded exceedingly well, far exceeding expectations. CSBA's focused advocacy led to substantive commitments from legislators, including pledges to refine bills for better support of small businesses. By addressing critical issues like zoning equity, tax uniformity, and enforcement fairness, the event advanced policies that could transform Virginia's cannabis market into a model of inclusivity. For instance, proposed amendments to delay market launches and standardize zoning aim to level the playing field, allowing independent operators to build sustainable enterprises without undue regulatory hurdles.

CSBA's priorities, as outlined in their 2026 legislative flyers, emphasize practical solutions: from preventing hyper-restrictive local rules to ensuring accountability in enforcement and updating eligibility for hemp programs. These efforts not only protect small businesses but also contribute to Virginia's economic growth, job creation, and social equity in the cannabis space.

Looking Ahead: Join the Movement

Lobby Day 2026 was more than an event—it was a catalyst for change, demonstrating how organized advocacy can influence policy at the highest levels. CSBA extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, sponsors, and legislative allies who made it possible. As the session progresses, the association remains committed to monitoring bills and mobilizing support.

For those inspired to get involved, visit www.csbassociation.com or email info@csbassociation.com to learn more, join the cause, or donate. Together, we're building a brighter future for cannabis small businesses in Virginia. Support the cause—because equitable policy starts with us!