Virginia lawmakers recently passed legislation intended to establish a legal retail cannabis market; however, Governor Glenn Youngkin is an outspoken opponent of cannabis use and may veto this measure.
Virginia Senators and Delegates approved identical bills – SB 970 and HB 2485 – which would permit the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (VCCA) to begin issuing licenses beginning September 1 2025 with sales authorized beginning on May 1, 2026.
These dual bills would create a legal framework designed to impede the state’s flourishing black market, where unregulated and potentially hazardous products dominate.
Democratic lawmakers who spearheaded this initiative assert that without legal frameworks to regulate illicit markets, illicit markets will thrive even further.
Republican lawmakers Will Morefield, Keith Hodges, and Chris Obenshain broke ranks to support this measure – showing an emerging bipartisan agreement regarding regulation’s necessity.
Governor Youngkin recently vetoed similar legislation, citing concerns for public safety and youth exposure as his reasoning.
Youngkin frequently highlighted cases from Colorado, Massachusetts and Washington that experienced increased emergency room visits and poison control calls due to cannabis consumption.
Youngkin warned that legalizing retail marijuana would endanger Virginians’ health and safety, with his administration already signalling they intend to veto this latest bill and conforming with previous statements against creating retail markets for such product.
Virginia first legalized adult-use cannabis possession and home cultivation in 2021 but did not legalize sales. Since then, illicit dispensaries have arisen to meet consumer demand with estimates suggesting an unregulated market worth nearly $3 billion.
Virginia lawmakers recently passed legislation designed to create a legal retail cannabis market; however, Governor Glenn Youngkin is an outspoken opponent of cannabis legalization and may veto this measure.
Virginia state lawmakers passed two identical bills, SB 970 and HB 2485, that will permit the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (VCCA) to start issuing licenses beginning September 1 2025; with sales commencing as soon as May 1, 2026.
These dual bills would create an ordered legal framework with the goal of curtailing Virginia’s uncontrolled black market where unapproved and potentially hazardous products flourish.
Democratic legislators behind this initiative cite how illicit markets will continue to flourish without legal protections in place.
Also breaking from their party ranks to back this measure are Republican lawmakers Will Morefield, Keith Hodges and Chris Obenshain; their votes reflect an emerging bipartisan consensus for regulation.
Governor Youngkin recently vetoed similar legislation, citing public safety and youth exposure issues as reasons to do so.
Youngkin frequently references Colorado, Massachusetts, and Washington states that reported increasing emergency room visits and poison control calls related to cannabis consumption.
Youngkin cautioned, “the proposed legalization of retail marijuana in Virginia endangers Virginians’ health and safety,” adding his administration has indicated it intends to veto this bill as per their previous position against creating retail markets for sales of this substance.
Virginia legalized adult-use cannabis possession and home cultivation in 2021 but did not legalize sales; since then, underground dispensaries have emerged to meet consumer demand, with estimates suggesting an unregulated market worth nearly $3 billion.
Cannabis Law Resources in Poland.
Discover essential legal pages regarding cannabis cultivation, sales and medical product regulations in Poland. These resources will guide you through permissions, certifications and compliance requirements.
Register and Protect Cannabis Businesses in Poland
Poland now grants permissions for sales of cannabis in Poland.
Authorization to Import or Manufacture Medical Products
Medical Products Manufacturing or Import Permit Application.
Certificate of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Registration of Medical Products in Poland