Virginia governor vetoes another adult-use marijuana sales bill

Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin – as expected – has once again rejected a bill that would allow sales of adult-use marijuana in the state.

Citing the same concerns about “increased gang activity and violent crime,” mental health and youth access as he did a year ago, Youngkin on Monday vetoed House Bill 2485, which would have established the framework for regulated adult-use sales in Virginia.

A year ago, lawmakers sent Youngkin similar legislation, which he similarly rejected.

That means Virginia remains the only state to have legalized adult-use cannabis without allowing regulated sales.

Virginia legalized adult use in 2021, but a quirk in that law required further legislation to create a framework for sales.

And so far, efforts to legalize sales have failed.

Youngkin justified the veto of the adult-use sales bill and other legislation with a blanket statement, claiming the measures would “take the Commonwealth backward by … making our communities less safe,” according to Norfolk TV station WVEC.

Marijuana reform advocates responded by accusing the governor of allowing his personal feelings to dictate politics.

“Once again, Governor Youngkin has prioritized his personal politics over public safety, opting to keep control of Virginia’s marijuana market squarely in the hands of unregulated operators,” JM Pedini, executive director of Virginial NORML, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Lawmakers also pushed back, with state Sen. Aaron Rouse claiming that most violent crime in Virginia is driven by disputes in a lucrative illicit marijuana market that has thrived because of the state’s overpriced medical cannabis program.