Virginia has been trying to establish a legal retail market for marijuana, but the latest legislation proposed by state Sen. Adam Ebbin failed to pass, causing a delay. The bill aimed to allow retail recreational sales to begin in January 2024, but the Republican-controlled House of Delegates subcommittee voted against it, pushing the issue back until the 2024 General Assembly session. Here’s what you need to know about recent developments in Virginia’s legal marijuana market.
Current Law in Virginia
People aged 21 and over in Virginia can carry up to an ounce of marijuana or grow up to four plants in their homes, but there is no legal way for adults to purchase marijuana for recreational use. In 2021, a bill allowing marijuana possession was passed, requiring the General Assembly to approve the measure again and establish a regulatory framework for retail sales. Lawmakers set a target date for legal sales to begin in 2024.
Recent Developments
The bill proposed by Sen. Ebbin aimed to allow recreational sales to begin through medical cannabis dispensaries and businesses owned by those living in “historically disadvantaged communities.” However, the Republican-controlled House of Delegates subcommittee voted along party lines to kill the legislation, delaying the start of retail sales. The failure of the bill is a setback for advocates who have been pushing for the establishment of a legal retail market in Virginia. Nonetheless, there is still hope that future legislation will be passed to address the concerns and pave the way for legal marijuana sales in the state.
The Governor’s Position
Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration is focused on establishing regulations on hemp-based THC products that are synthetically manufactured, such as delta-8, citing concerns about the proliferation of unregulated synthetic products that are “mislabeled, mis-sold, and targeted towards children.” While the governor has “no position” on the proposal for a legal market, some have questioned his support for a legal retail market in Virginia.
Looking Ahead
The failure of the bill means Virginia won’t begin retail sales of marijuana until 2024, as previously set by lawmakers. The upcoming November election could bring changes to the legislature that could impact the future of Virginia’s legal marijuana market. The setback of the bill is disappointing for advocates, but there is still hope for future legislation to address the concerns and pave the way for legal marijuana sales in the state.
