Virginia lawmakers have as soon as once more handed laws geared toward establishing a regulated retail marketplace for hashish, however the invoice faces a near-certain veto from Governor Glenn Youngkin, a staunch opponent of hashish.
The Virginia Senate and Home of Delegates accepted similar payments, SB 970 and HB 2485, that may permit the Virginia Hashish Management Authority (VCCA) to problem hashish licenses starting September 1, 2025, with gross sales permitted from Might 1, 2026.
These twin payments would set up a structured authorized framework, aiming to curb the state’s thriving black market, the place unregulated and probably harmful merchandise dominate.
Democratic lawmakers, who led the initiative, argue that with out a authorized framework, illicit markets will proceed to flourish.
In the meantime, Republican lawmakers Will Morefield, Keith Hodges, and Chris Obenshain broke ranks to assist the measure, reflecting a rising bipartisan consensus on the necessity for regulation.
Nevertheless, Governor Youngkin vetoed related laws final 12 months, citing issues about public security and youth publicity.
Youngkin has repeatedly pointed to states resembling Colorado, Massachusetts, and Washington, which reported elevated emergency room visits and poison management calls associated to hashish use.
“The proposed legalization of retail marijuana within the commonwealth endangers Virginians’ well being and security,” Youngkin said. His administration has already indicated he intends to veto the newest invoice, aligning together with his earlier stance in opposition to establishing a retail market.
Virginia first legalized adult-use hashish possession and residential cultivation in 2021 however stopped in need of legalizing gross sales. Since then, illicit dispensaries have emerged to satisfy shopper demand, with estimates suggesting an unregulated market valued at almost $3 billion.
