Virginia Lawmakers Push Forward on Retail Cannabis Market Despite Expected Veto
Democratic lawmakers in Virginia are reviving efforts to establish a regulated cannabis marketplace, despite opposition and anticipated vetoes from Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin.
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Proposed Legislation for 2025 General Assembly
Sponsors: Del. Paul Krizek (D–Fairfax) and Sen. Aaron Rouse (D–Virginia Beach).
Key Details:
The proposed marketplace would include testing and labeling requirements to ensure product safety.
Sales could start as early as May with an 11.625% tax rate.
Local governments and law enforcement would receive funding from generated revenue.
Youngkin’s Opposition
Past Veto: In 2024, Youngkin vetoed similar legislation, citing concerns over health, safety, and crime.
Position: Youngkin argues that legalizing retail cannabis sales would:
Increase risks to children.
Exacerbate public safety issues, such as gang activity and violent crime.
Fail to curb the illegal cannabis market effectively.
Evidence Cited: Youngkin highlighted a 400% increase in U.S. Poison Control calls involving children exposed to edible marijuana products since 2016.
The Case for Legalization
Supporters’ Arguments:
A legal market would regulate product safety and reduce the availability of untested cannabis.
It could also combat the proliferation of illegal dispensaries.
JLARC projections estimate Virginia’s legal cannabis market could generate $609 million to over $1 billion annually by its fifth year.
Public Safety:
Rouse emphasized that regulation would protect children and ensure products are sold in controlled environments.
Economic Impact:
Estimated revenue: $7.3 million in FY25 and $88 million by FY30.
Political Strategy
Bipartisan Outreach:
Rouse hopes to gain more Republican support, citing the long-term benefits of regulation.
He noted that GOP state senators serving longer terms may take a different stance from Youngkin.
Acknowledging Challenges:
Krizek admits passing the bill under Youngkin is unlikely and frames the effort as part of a “long game” for eventual success.
The Path Forward
Virginia Democrats plan to push the bill during the 2025 session to address ongoing public safety concerns and illegal cannabis sales.
However, substantial progress likely depends on a shift in executive leadership, potentially under a future Democratic governor.
“Gov. Youngkin is on his way out, and our Virginia communities will still feel the impact of the unregulated marijuana industry,” Rouse stated.
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