Virginia’s Legislature has passed legislation that will allow the licensed distribution of marijuana and marijuana products.
Today the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate passed identical bills to legalize recreational marijuana sales. After one final technical hurdle, expected to occur either today or tomorrow, the legislation will be sent to Governor Glenn Youngkin.
House Bill 698 passed the House today 21 to 18, while the identical Senate Bill 448 passed the Senate 51 to 47.
Delegate Paul Krizek (D) called the measures a “product of a lot of work”.
The legislation would allow licensed marijuana sales to begin on May 1, 2025, with marijuana taxed at 11.6%. Those 21 and older would be authorized to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of dried marijuana per transaction, or up to 100mg of THC in edible form.
Licensing and regulations for the marijuana industry will be overseen by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. Medical marijuana dispensaries would be allowed to apply to open up to five retail outlets.
The proposal would allow localities to ban marijuana stores, but only if approved by voters. Adults would be allowed to share up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana without being paid for it, but they would not be allowed to sell it.
Those under 21 caught possessing marijuana would receive a $25 civil infraction. If someone 21 and older purchases marijuana for someone under 21, they could be charged with a misdemeanor.
It’s uncertain if Governor Youngkin will sign the bill, allow it to become law without his signature, or veto it.
