Abigail Spanberger has been elected governor of Virginia, a victory that could mark a major turning point for marijuana policy in the Commonwealth.
Spanberger, a Democrat and former member of Congress, has pledged to establish a regulated system for adult-use marijuana sales, a move that would end Virginia’s years-long gap between legalization and retail access and end its title as the only legal cannabis state to not allow licensed sales.
Although personal possession and home cultivation of marijuana have been legal in Virginia since 2021, licensed retail sales remain prohibited. Of the 24 states that have legalized recreational marijuana, Virginia stands alone in not allowing commercial sales. The legislature previously approved a bill to authorize retail licensing and taxation, but Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed the measure earlier this year.
Spanberger has said she would work with lawmakers to finally implement a regulated market focused on public safety, transparency, and equitable distribution of marijuana tax revenue. She’s also emphasized that the revenue should be directed toward public education and community reinvestment.
Her opponent, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, opposed legalization and echoed the outgoing administration’s position that marijuana poses public health risks and serves as a “gateway drug.” With Spanberger’s win, Virginia is expected to revisit the vetoed legislation in the upcoming session, potentially clearing the way for legal marijuana sales to begin under her administration.
Editor’s note: At the time of publication votes are still being counted, but based on a detailed examination of election data The Marijuana Herald is confident in calling this race.
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