Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has vetoed legislation that would have revised labeling requirements for medical marijuana products and expanded delivery options for patients.
The bill, House Bill 1989, was approved by the House in an 84 to 14 vote and by the Senate 30 to 10. Despite its broad bipartisan support, Governor Youngkin rejected the measure yesterday, preventing it from becoming law unless lawmakers override his decision.
The legislature could override a veto with a two-third majority, which the bill appears to have enough support for, but it’s uncertain if lawmakers will take this approach, or if they’ll let the veto stand.
Sponsored by Delegate Alex Askew (D), the bill would have updated labeling rules for medical marijuana products to ensure clearer information about cannabinoid content. Labels would have been required to list total milligrams of THC and CBD in edible and topical products, the per-serving cannabinoid amounts, and the total percentage of THC and CBD in inhalable products.
The legislation also sought to allow pharmaceutical processors and cannabis dispensaries to deliver medical marijuana to patients, registered agents, or guardians at private residences or businesses, while continuing to prohibit deliveries to public spaces.
Given the strong margins by which HB 1989 passed both chambers, a veto override remains possible if the General Assembly opts to pursue it.
