The Virginia Senate again has approved a bill to establish an adult-use marijuana program.
Senate Bill 970, introduced by Democrat Aaron Rouse, passed along party lines by a 21-19 vote, according to Marijuana Moment.
Under the proposal, Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) would begin accepting license applications from current medical marijuana licensees on Sept. 1.
Retail sales could begin as soon as May 1, 2026.
SB 970 also would require the CCA to establish a seed-to-sale tracking program by Dec. 31, 2025.
Meanwhile, Virginia’s House of Representatives on Monday advanced a companion bill, House Bill 2485, that would allow adults 21 and older to buy up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis from licensed retailers, Marijuana Moment reported.
Both bills are expected to advance to the desk of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who vetoed similar legislation last year, citing “health and safety” concerns.
Rouse addressed those concerns in his new proposal, which creates a significant first-mover advantage for existing medical marijuana operators in Virginia.
The bill stipulates that only MMJ retailers – which include multistate operators such as Ayr Wellness, The Cannabist Co., Green Thumb Industries, Jushi Holdings and Verano Holdings Corp. – are allowed to sell adult-use products until Sept. 1, 2030 – a nearly four-year runway after the recreational market opens.
Former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation in April 2021 legalizing marijuana use and possession for adults 21 and older, but Youngkin and House Republicans have thwarted efforts to establish a regulated adult-use retail program.
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