Legislation that would legalize the licensed distribution of recreational marijuana has been approved by its committee of origin in Virginia.
Senate Bill 970 was passed by the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services today, by a vote of 8 to 7. The proposal was filed by Senator Aaron Rouse (D).
“I’m proud to have brought forth a framework for adult-use cannabis through a structured license application process,” says Rouse. “This bill prioritizes public safety in creating a well-regulated marketplace that keeps adult products out of the hands of kids. In recent years we have seen an unchecked proliferation of illegal and unregulated marijuana stores. This has put Virginians at risk as unlicensed drug dealers sell billions of dollars of untested and untaxed products, frequently to children.”
The measure is expected to receive consideration by the full Senate in the coming weeks. If passed by the Senate, it will be sent to the House of Representatives, where a companion bill is a waiting consideration. If either measure is passed by both the Senate and House it will be sent to Governor Youngkin, who has stated his opposition to legalizing marijuana distribution. The legislature can override a veto but only with a 2/3 majority.
Under the proposed law those 21 and older would be able to purchase up to 2.5 oz of marijuana via a licensed retail outlet. If approved the first marijuana stores are expected to be up and running by 2026.
