Governor Abigail Spanberger blocks Virginia’s cannabis retail market plan

Abigail Spanberger has vetoed legislation that would have created a legal retail marijuana marketplace in Virginia, saying the proposal lacked the structure and resources needed for proper oversight.

In a statement released Tuesday, Spanberger said the bill would have launched retail cannabis sales without the “timeline, structure or resources to be successfully implemented.”

“As Virginia pursues a legal retail market, it is critical that we incorporate lessons learned by other states and ensure that our regulatory framework is fully prepared to provide strong oversight from day one,” she said.

The proposal, passed was by Virginia lawmakers earlier this year, would have allowed adults aged 21 and older to buy marijuana from up to 350 retail stores beginning January 1.

Oversight would have been handled by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.

Virginia already allows adults to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and grow up to four plants at home, but the state does not currently have a legal retail marketplace.

Spanberger had proposed delaying retail sales until July 2027 and suggested several changes to penalties linked to marijuana possession and public use.

Lawmakers Lashrecse Aird and Paul Krizek criticised the veto, saying it would prolong uncertainty and benefit illegal cannabis sellers.