By Jacob Wilson, Richmond Resident
By next year, 23 states will have legal, operating adult-use marijuana markets. Delaware and Minnesota are set to join the ranks of those with licensed retail outlets, leaving Virginia as the lone legal marijuana state without a system for legal sales.
Let that sink in: we legalized possession years ago, but still have no way for adults to legally buy marijuana. No storefronts. No delivery services. No licensed growers or product testing. Just vague promises and political excuses while every other legal state moves forward.
What we have now in Virginia is a bizarre gray market that benefits no one but illegal sellers. Governor Glenn Youngkin recently vetoed a bill passed by lawmakers that would have finally launched a retail marijuana system. That’s not leadership. That’s a complete abandonment of responsibility—and Virginians are paying the price.
People are still using marijuana here, just as they are in every other legal state. The difference is that we’re forced to get it from illegal sellers. Sometimes that means buying a few grams from the same friendly neighbor who’s been selling for years. But sometimes, it means unknowingly fueling gangs, organized crime, and dangerous black-market networks. This isn’t hyperbole: reports and studies have continuously shown this to be true.
The refusal to establish a regulated retail system doesn’t stop marijuana from being sold. It just hands that business over to people with no oversight, no standards, and no incentive to play by the rules. Instead of ensuring consumers can access tested, safe, and clearly labeled products, we’re left with mystery edibles and unknown strains, often sold in unmarked bags. It’s not just irresponsible—it’s reckless.
What’s more frustrating is that Virginia had a real chance to do this right. Lawmakers came together, passed legislation to create a legal sales framework, and sent it to the governor. That’s how democracy is supposed to work. But with the stroke of a pen, Youngkin shut it all down.
His justification? Vague warnings about safety and public health. But what’s less safe than a black market we’re forcing people into? What’s more damaging to public health than denying access to regulated, tested products?
Meanwhile, the state forfeits millions in potential tax revenue—money that could go toward education, healthcare, or infrastructure—just to cling to some outdated “tough on crime” narrative. Criminals are the only ones profiting from the current setup, and Virginians are the ones left holding the bag.
Other states have shown us exactly how this can work. In Colorado, Washington, Michigan, and beyond, marijuana is sold legally, safely, and with tax dollars flowing to public programs. Those states didn’t collapse under the weight of legalization. In fact, many are thriving because of it.
Here in Virginia, we’re stuck in limbo. Legal to possess. Illegal to buy. That’s not progress—it’s political cowardice.
We deserve better. Virginians should be able to walk into a store, show ID, and buy marijuana like responsible adults. We shouldn’t be forced to deal with underground sellers or risk our safety just to access a product we’re already allowed to have.
Until lawmakers—and more importantly, the governor—stop dragging their feet, Virginia will continue to be a case study in how not to legalize marijuana.
It’s time to end this farce. Legal marijuana sales in Virginia aren’t just the logical next step—they’re a moral and public safety necessity.
