Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) last week vetoed legislation that would have improved labeling on medical cannabis products sold in the state and codify permissible locations for the delivery of medical cannabis products.
In his veto message, Youngkin said that while he approved of the labeling changes, the delivery provisions raised “public safety and regulator concerns” despite the state already allowing the delivery of medical cannabis products.
“Permitting deliveries to businesses – including locations where substance abuse, gambling, or other high-risk activities may occur – creates unnecessary risks for diversion, theft, and unintended access by minors. Current regulations already provide for safe, tightly controlled home delivery of medical cannabis. This framework ensures access for patients while maintaining strong safeguards to prevent misuse.” — Youngkin in the veto message
In a statement, JM Pedini, NORML development director and the executive director for Virginia NORML, said Youngkin’s claims that the bill “would have expanded marijuana access are categorically false.”
“Anyone who can read can see that this bill enumerated multiple prohibitions on delivery locations which do not currently exist under Virginia law,” Pedini said.
The veto is Youngkin’s third this legislative session related to cannabis policy in the state. In March, the governor vetoed legislation to establish regulations to implement an adult-use cannabis industry in the state and a bill that would have protected the parental rights of adults who lawfully possess or consume cannabis in accordance with state law.
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