The administration of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has no plans to allow adult-use cannabis sales to commence in the state while he is in office, the Daily Progress reports. Adult-use cannabis sales were expected to begin in 2024 under a law passed by the legislature and signed by former Gov. Ralph Northam (D) in 2021; however, during a Virginia Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council meeting last week, Joseph Guthrie, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said the public should not expect the market to roll out during Youngkin’s time as governor.
“Governor Youngkin has stated that he is not interested in any further moves towards legalization of adult recreational use marijuana.” — Guthrie via Daily Progress
Despite lawmakers approving the reforms two years ago, the regulated industry’s rollout required additional action from the Legislature, which was blocked by Republicans in the House of Delegates this year and last year.
Sen. Adam P. Ebbin (D), sponsor of a bill to create the framework for adult-use sales, told the Washington Post that were Democrats to take control of the Legislature in the upcoming elections and pass the reforms, Youngkin could still veto the legislation.
Portions of the 2021 law allowing cultivation, consumption, and possessing cannabis are in effect in the state.
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