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Virginia's Retail Marijuana Marketplace Not up in Smoke
Sponsors of vetoed legalization bills say the budget could still create a regulated market, even as Virginia does not allow retail cannabis sales.
- Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed marijuana market legislation last month, prompting Democratic sponsors to pursue authorization through the state budget before a June 30 deadline.
- Although Virginia residents can legally possess cannabis, the state lacks a safe, regulated, tested retail system. "You can legally possess cannabis, but we lack a safe, regulated, tested and taxed place to buy it," said Delegate Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax.
- Senator Lashrecse Aird, D-Petersburg, argues the budget bill's size creates opportunity for policy additions. "The budget bill is our largest bill, and so honestly, there is the ability to add policy to the budget bill," Aird said.
- Governor Spanberger previously criticized using the budget for policy as an abuse of the lawmaking process. The House of Delegates reconvenes June 18 and the Senate June 22 for budget negotiations.
- Federal rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III and narrowed hemp regulations create new complexities for state programs. With the budget expiring June 30, lawmakers must resolve these contradictions to establish a viable retail market.
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16 Articles
16 Articles
Another year, another Va. retail cannabis market veto leaves businesses, the public with few options
Medical cannabis plants are inspected during cultivation. Abigail Spanberger’s veto of a retail cannabis bill leaves businesses waiting and regulators limited in how much they can prepare for a future adult-use market. (Photo courtesy Shutterstock) By Yiqing Wang and Toby Cox/WHRO Throughout her bid for governor, Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she would support a bill to set up a legal, adult-use cannabis market — which is why her veto on May 19 c…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
L 17%
C 75%
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