Based on recent comments from the bill’s sponsor and the state’s governor, a Virginia bill to legalize marijuana sales is likely to receive a veto.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (photo credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images).
Late last month Virginia’s Legislature passed legislation to 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. Passage of the bill comes nearly three years after the state legalized marijuana possession, but not sales.
Under the proposed law, licensing and regulations for the marijuana industry would be overseen by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. Localities would be allowed 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.
Although Governor Youngkin has long opposed legalizing marijuana, some proponents of legalization have remained optimistic Youngkin could let them bill become law without a signature rather than veto it. However, recent comments splash cold water on these hopes.
“Bluntly, you want to talk about putting a cannabis shop on every corner?” Youngkin said at a recent press conference. “I don’t quite get it.”
These comments came after Democrats rejected a proposal from Youngkin to build a professional sports stadium in Northern Virginia, which led to Youngkin saying he’s now less likely to support Democrat priorities.
“As those great philosophers Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin would say, ‘It’s up in smoke,’” said Delegate Paul Krizek (D), the bill’s sponsor in the House, following Youngkin’s comments.
Among the 24 states with legal recreational marijuana, Virginia is the only one to not allow licensed sales.
