More than three years after then-Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation to legalize adult-use marijuana in Virginia, state lawmakers are still trying to stand up the recreational cannabis market.
The Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services on Friday referred the latest effort, Senate Bill 970, to the Finance and Appropriations Committee by an 8-7 vote.
Even if the bill were to make it to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk, its future is far from certain.
Just last year, Youngkin cited “Virginians’ health and safety” while vetoing a bill to legalize adult-use sales.
The latest bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Aaron Rouse of Virginia Beach, addressed Youngkin’s concerns when presenting the new legislation.
“This bill prioritizes public safety in creating a well-regulated marketplace that keeps adult products out of the hands of kids,” Roanoke-based Cardinal News quoted Rouse as saying.
“The safety and security of all Virginians is a top priority of this legislative body, and in recent years, we have seen an unchecked proliferation of illegal and unregulated marijuana stores.”
The bill stipulates that, until Sept. 1, 2030, adult-use licenses will be limited to the state’s existing medical marijuana operators, which include:
- Ayr Wellness.
- The Cannabist Co.
- Green Thumb Industries.
- Jushi Holdings.
- Verano Holdings Corp.
Under SB 970, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would begin accepting license applications from current license holders on Sept. 1, 2025, and retail sales could begin as soon as May 1, 2026.
SB 970 also would require the Cannabis Control Authority to establish a seed-to-sale tracking program by Dec. 31, 2025.
If the legislation were signed into law, Virginia municipalities seeking to ban recreational marijuana stores would have to hold a vote before the end of the year.
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