Recent polling indicates that Virginia governor Abigail Spanberger has received significant disapproval from voters for her decision to veto the legislation establishing a regulated marijuana market. Public Policy Polling conducted the survey and it was obtained by Marijuana MomentThe majority of Virginia voters thought that Governor McDonnell should have made the marijuana sales law a law.
The Voter’s Sentiment towards Regulated Cannabis Market
A poll conducted between May 5th and 6th among 594 Virginian voters revealed that 70% of those surveyed strongly agreed (53%) or somewhat (17%) that Governor Spanberger had to have allowed the law to go into effect. The sentiment was shared by all political parties, as 70 percent among Democrats, 64 per cent of Republicans and 74 per cent of Independents expressed agreement. The majority of voters, 65 per cent, voted for the Governor to sign the Cannabis Reform into Law, while 16 per cent voted for the Governor to veto it.
A further analysis of the survey suggested that signing this bill might have positively affected the perception the public has about the governor. About 38 percent of voters said they would have viewed her much more positively or slightly more favorably if she had signed the bill. Only 11% would have thought less of her. Fourty-two per cent said her decision will not change their views.
Public Safety and Market Regulation
The survey revealed that Virginians are concerned about the current unregulated cannabis market. Personal possession is legal in Virginia since 2021. 78 per cent of the respondents were strongly or somewhat agreeable that adult over-21 should be able to purchase cannabis legally and under strict regulations. The 70 percent who favored a more regulated market for cannabis in their locality over the unregulated current status quo were backed by only 11 percent.
Virginia NORML and other advocacy groups have highlighted the veto’s implications for public safety. JM Pedini stated in Marijuana Moment, that the “broad, bipartisan support” for a regulated cannabis retail market had been consistent over years. Her vetoes put Governor Spanberger firmly at odds with public opinion as well as public safety. A poll conducted by Marijuana Moment also revealed that 87% of respondents strongly agreed or somewhat agree that intoxicants such as THC are only to be sold at age-restricted, strictly regulated stores.
Legislative Stalemate and Future Outlook
Hemp Gazette previously reported on Governor Spanberger’s veto of the Cannabis Sales Legislation (SB 542, HB 642), after the legislature refused to adopt the amendments she proposed. Governor Spanberger had proposed changes, including delaying sales for six months and increasing taxes. She also suggested criminal sanctions for cannabis users. For her revisions, she cited concerns regarding the retail store count and a “rushed timetable” for the launch of cannabis.
Del. Paul Krizek and Senator Lashrecse Aird, both Democrats who urged their colleagues to oppose the changes made by the Governor, were vetoed. In order to achieve this result, lawmakers will have to introduce reform efforts again in the session of 2027.
The Key Provisions in the Vetoed Bill
Legislation approved by the lawmakers included several provisions that would allow for a controlled cannabis market to be established.
- Purchase Limits Adults can now purchase 2.5 ounces or equivalent cannabis products in one transaction. This is an increase over the 1-ounce limit. The Governor proposed that the limit be 2 ounces.
- Sales Commencement: According to the plan, legal sales would begin January 1, 2027. This date was pushed back by the governor to July 1, 2020.
- Taxation: A 6 percent excise on all sales was proposed, along with a retail sales and usage tax of 5.3 percent and allowing municipalities to charge an extra local tax up to 3.5 %. Similar to the governor’s proposal, but with an increased excise rate of 8 percent beginning July 1, 2029.
- Revenue Allocation Lawmakers proposed distributing revenue to the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund (30 percent), early childhood education (40 percent), the Department of Behavioral & Developmental Health Services (25 percent), and public health initiatives (5 percent). However, the governor wanted all the revenue directed to the General Fund with various earmarks, including the elimination of the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund.
- The Regulatory Oversight: Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, currently the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, would be responsible for licensing and regulation. They also have oversight of hemp-based products.
In contrast to the recent decision of Virginia’s governor, polling results show that public opinion is consistent in its demand for a structured market for marijuana products.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Hemp Gazette is not a medical provider and does not offer diagnoses or treatment plans. Before making decisions about your health, or any condition that may affect it, always consult with a medical professional. Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia has not evaluated statements about the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoid products, hemp or cannabis. TGA regulations allow Australians to access medical cannabis through prescription.