The governor refuses to acknowledge that 2025 is not 1975.
By Markus Schmidt, Virginia Mercury
Virginia’s state legislature approved yet another bill to establish a cannabis market that is regulated, taxed, and regulated. With both chambers supporting the same measures, it seems certain that this proposal will reach Governor. Glenn Youngkin (R) will receive the proposal after General Assembly adjourns at the end of this month.
At the mid-point of Tuesday’s session, both chambers approved identical measures legalizing retail marijuana sales to adults age 21 and over.
House Bill 24,85, sponsored del. Paul Krizek (D-Fairfax) cleared the House with some bipartisan support in the late afternoon, and Senate Bill 970 was passed by Aaron Rouse (D-Virginia Beach), D, on Friday, 21-19.
Del. Chris Obenshain is a prosecutor in Montgomery, R. Will Morefield of Tazewell was the lone Republican to support the House measure.
Obenshain voted last year for a proposal that was similar. He said that the status quo was confusing to both individuals and business owners, while the absence of any regulation and enforcement was dangerous.
Youngkin is still opposed to legalization, despite growing public support and legislation. He cites concerns regarding crime, regulation and mental health. The administration of Youngkin has consistently dismissed efforts to legalize cannabis in Virginia. A veto is all but assured.
Krizek, who spoke Tuesday, said that while it was great that the bill had Republican support, the real issue is that the Governor refuses to acknowledge that 2025 is not 1975 and that we need to come together across party lines to control retail cannabis sales for adults.
Failure to act will only perpetuate an unregulated, dangerous market. Both consumer safety and public health are at stake. “A safer alternative makes for safer communities.”
Advocates are still hopeful that Governor will reconsider in the next few weeks.
Chelsea Higgs Wise is the executive director for Marijuana Justice. “We are inspired by the commitment of the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate to continue the work done in the last session,” she said. Both bills emphasize the importance of tested products, and show that a regulated and equitable market is necessary for public safety and health.
The fight for cannabis legalization in Virginia has been years in the making, marked by political shifts, legal gray areas, and ongoing battles over how—and whether—to establish a retail marketplace.
Virginia will be the first Southern country to legally legalize home-grown marijuana for adults aged 21 or older in 2021. Residents can cultivate up to four marijuana plants in their homes and have up to an ounce of the drug on them when they are out.
While legalization was passed by Democrats, the legislature never finalized any plan for regulating sales until Republicans gained control of the Governor’s Mansion in 2022 and the House of Delegates briefly.
Virginia found itself in an odd situation. Cannabis was legal for possession and cultivation, but no way was available to purchase or sell the drug outside Virginia’s medical cannabis program. A retail framework is needed to regulate the market. Without it, there are unregulated pop up shops and “gifting’ businesses that operate illegally.
According to a poll conducted by 2024 Roanoke University, 63 per cent of Virginians are in favor of policies designed to assist small cannabis companies compete against pharmaceuticals and medical marijuana dispensaries.
Democrats and marijuana advocates are continuing to call for a regulated, licensed market in order to close this gap. They argue that clear regulations would help protect the consumer, increase tax revenues, and stop illegal sales. In the bills that were passed, they aim to create a system of state-regulated licensed retailers and manufacturers similar to other states where cannabis is legal.
Youngkin’s office confirmed in December his continued stance, which set the stage for a new veto that Democrats will not have enough votes to overcome. The fight for Virginia’s marijuana market may need to be relegated until the next state governor.
Obenshain said that despite Youngkin’s rigid stance on the issue, it is important to move sooner than later.
Obenshain stated that he supported the effort, even though he would have preferred stronger measures to ensure public safety, like my proposal for a limit on driving while under the influence. “I think we must act immediately,” Obenshain added. “My vote shows that I’m willing to engage in good-faith discussions with all parties to this issue, to find a compromise for Virginia.”
Virginia Mercury published this article first.
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Side Pocket Images. Image courtesy Chris Wallis.