LEGISLATORS DENOUNCE YOUNGKIN’S VETO OF RETAIL CANNABIS BILL AS DANGEROUS AND IRRESPONSIBLE

LEGISLATORS DENOUNCE YOUNGKIN’S VETO OF RETAIL CANNABIS BILL AS DANGEROUS AND IRRESPONSIBLE

Today, Democratic leaders in the General Assembly strongly criticized Governor Youngkin’s veto of the retail cannabis legislation as reckless and negligent. The legislation, aimed at establishing a responsible retail marijuana market, was crucial for combating the illegal market and ensuring Virginians have access to safe, tested, and taxed cannabis products. 

Senator Aaron Rouse (D-Virginia Beach), Chief Patron of the Senate legislation (SB 448), expressed deep concern, stating: “Governor Youngkin’s dismissive stance towards addressing Virginia’s cannabis sales dilemma is unacceptable. Public servants are obligated to tackle pressing issues, regardless of their origin or culpability. They cannot cherry-pick which problems to address.”

Delegate Paul Krizek (D-Fairfax), Chief Patron of the House legislation (HB 698), emphasized the gravity of the situation: “Governor Youngkin’s failure to act allows an already thriving illegal cannabis market to persist, fueling criminal activity and endangering our communities. This veto squandered a vital opportunity to safeguard Virginians and will only exacerbate the proliferation of illicit products, posing greater risks to our schools and public safety.”

The General Assembly previously legalized the use, possession, and limited cultivation of cannabis by adults in 2021. The Republican-led House blocked the required reenactment for a regulatory framework for retail sales in subsequent years. Virginia’s illicit cannabis market was estimated at $2.4 billion in 2023. Establishing a safe and regulated marketplace for marijuana is a feasible and necessary endeavor. Rather than solely focusing on discrepancies in enforcement, expanding market availability with proper regulations can mitigate risks and enhance Virginians' health and safety.

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