Virginia lawmakers have once again passed legislation aimed at establishing a regulated retail market for cannabis, but the bill faces a near-certain veto from Governor Glenn Youngkin, a staunch opponent of cannabis.
The Virginia Senate and House of Delegates approved identical bills, SB 970 and HB 2485, that would allow the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (VCCA) to issue cannabis licenses beginning September 1, 2025, with sales permitted from May 1, 2026.
These dual bills would establish a structured legal framework, aiming to curb the state’s thriving black market, where unregulated and potentially dangerous products dominate.
Democratic lawmakers, who led the initiative, argue that without a legal framework, illicit markets will continue to flourish.
Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers Will Morefield, Keith Hodges, and Chris Obenshain broke ranks to support the measure, reflecting a growing bipartisan consensus on the need for regulation.
However, Governor Youngkin vetoed similar legislation last year, citing concerns about public safety and youth exposure.
Youngkin has repeatedly pointed to states such as Colorado, Massachusetts, and Washington, which reported increased emergency room visits and poison control calls related to cannabis use.
“The proposed legalization of retail marijuana in the commonwealth endangers Virginians’ health and safety,” Youngkin stated. His administration has already indicated he intends to veto the latest bill, aligning with his previous stance against establishing a retail market.
Virginia first legalized adult-use cannabis possession and home cultivation in 2021 but stopped short of legalizing sales. Since then, illicit dispensaries have emerged to meet consumer demand, with estimates suggesting an unregulated market valued at nearly $3 billion.
