Virginia remains the only state that legalizes adult marijuana use, without legal, regulated sales after outgoing Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin repeatedly rejected it.
But when voters choose his alternative in November, they may also determine when Virginia will eventually launch legal cannabis sales.
Over the past two years, the Democratic-controlled Legislature in Virginia has passed legislation allowing all adults over the age of 21 to purchase marijuana from state licensed retailers.
But Youngkin vetoed the sale of marijuana twice, citing concerns about “gang activity and violent crime.”
Youngkin is called.
According to WTVR’s statement, two main candidates who replaced him appear to be broken down on the issue.
Democratic state governor candidate is expected to launch cannabis sales
Abigail Spanberger, a former member of Congress, promised to make legal cannabis sales in Virginia a reality.
“As Virginia’s next governor, I look forward to working with our convention to build a pathway to legalized cannabis retail market that prioritizes public safety and grows Virginia’s economy,” Spanberger said in a statement released by WTVR.
She added: “The Commonwealth needs clear strategies to build a safe, transparent and beneficial market for Virginia.”
“In particular, the revenue from commercial cannabis products must be reinvested into our communities and used to strengthen our public schools.”
Republicans said in 2021 that there is no hope
The radio reported that the governor’s Lieutenant won Winsome Earle-Sears without responding to WTVR’s request for comment.
But in the past, Earle-Sears has been rated by the National Marijuana Reform Legal Organization (Norml), who claims adult marijuana use “will destroy us.”
In her 2021 appearance, former state legislator Earle-Sears once said she fired an employee from the business when she “found herself on marijuana.”
“You can’t work for me, you’re going to destroy someone’s home, you’re going to collapse, and that’s going to get us in trouble because marijuana is the portal drug,” she said.
“No hope, no future.”
Potential surprise gains from cannabis polymorphic operators
Virginia’s adult marijuana sales could reach $490 million in the first year of a regulated market, and are expected to increase to $1 billion in the third year, according to MJBIZFACTBook.
The Governor’s action is necessary because Bill Youngkin’s Democratic predecessor Ralph Northam signed the law in 2021 with a provision that requires further action to create a market projected to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Meanwhile, the state has a medical marijuana program.
According to MJBIZFACTBook’s forecast, sales of medical marijuana may reach $59 million this year.
But critics say the state is working on jobs and tax revenues, while customers seek marijuana from alternative sources such as Maryland’s legal adult use industry and marijuana-derived THC products and illegal markets.
The latest veto legislation will give the state exclusive adult sales rights to its existing medical marijuana business, including major multiracial operators such as:
- Al Health.
- Cannabis company
- Green thumb industry.
- Jushi Holdings.
- Verano Holdings Corp.
