Legislation to create a recreational cannabis market in Virginia is moving forward in the State Capitol, but several obstacles remain — namely Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s indifference on the matter.
On Friday, a Senate committee advanced legislation to create an adult-use market after a subcommittee merged a bill on the issue from state Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, with parts of a measure from state Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria. The legislation contains provisions to give small businesses an easier path to market, with an eye on preventing big businesses, namely medical marijuana operators already operating in the state, from controlling the space.
Under the legislation, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority could begin issuing retail licenses by July 1 but would not allow sales to start until the start of 2025. It would also create multiple licenses for different types of cannabis businesses, including retail sales, growing and processing.
