[PRESS RELEASE] – RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 6, 2026 – Former Virginia State Sen. Chap Petersen, Virginia Del. Tom Garrett, the Cannabis Small Business Association (CSBA), Virginia hemp business owners, and affected families will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. on Aug. 10 on the steps of the Virginia State Capitol to discuss a federal lawsuit and what organizers describe as the wholesale destruction of Virginia’s hemp industry if the new restrictions take effect Aug. 15.
Seven Virginia hemp businesses, strategically supported by CSBA, filed a federal lawsuit challenging Virginia’s elimination of the 25:1 CBD-to-THC exception. The suit asks the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia to block enforcement of the state’s 2-milligram total-THC-per-package cap and related penalties before they take effect on Aug. 15.
Speakers will explain the lawsuit and the constitutional and legal issues it raises, describe how the restrictions would affect businesses, consumers, patients and families across the commonwealth, share firsthand accounts from Virginians directly impacted and answer questions from the media.
A federal court hearing on the plaintiffs’ request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Aug. 12. Members of the press may attend.
Scheduled Speakers
- Chap Petersen, lead counsel for the plaintiffs and former Virginia state senator
- Tom Garrett, who will discuss the constitutional implications of Virginia’s new hemp restrictions
- Barbara Biddle, president of the Cannabis Small Business Association and owner of District Hemp Botanicals
- Lisa Smith, Virginia parent and advocate, who will share her family’s experience advocating for continued access to CBD products that help manage her daughter’s seizures
- Graham Redfern, owner of Redfern Hemp Co.
Additional speakers representing affected businesses, consumers, patients and other stakeholders may be announced before the event.
Facts About Hemp and CBD in Virginia
- A 2023 Whitney Economics study using 2022 survey data estimated that Virginia stores selling hemp-derived cannabinoids generated approximately $1.17 billion in total sales, including $562.2 million from CBD and converted cannabinoid products. Applying a 2.8x multiplier to total store sales, the study estimated $3.27 billion in broader economic impact.
- Applying Virginia’s minimum 5.3% sales-tax rate to the Whitney Economics study’s $562.2 million sales estimate yields approximately $29.8 million in potential collections.
Press Conference Details
What: Press conference on the federal lawsuit and Virginia’s Aug. 15 hemp restrictions
Who: Chap Petersen, Tom Garrett, the Cannabis Small Business Association, Virginia hemp businesses, and affected families
When: 10 a.m. Aug. 10, 2026
Where: Capitol Steps, Virginia State Capitol, Richmond, Va.
Following prepared remarks, speakers will be available to answer questions from members of the media.
Related Court Hearing
When: 11 a.m. Aug. 12, 2026
Attendance: Members of the press may attend
Location: U.S. District Court, 210 Franklin Road SW, Roanoke, Va.
Judge: U.S. District Judge Robert S. Ballou
Courthouse access: Photo ID is required. Cell phones, cameras, and electronic or recording devices are prohibited.
