NORFOLK, Va. — Virginia could create a retail cannabis market next year.
On Wednesday, lawmakers in the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation allowing recreational marijuana sales in 2025. Now, the decision lies in the hands of Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
Virginia became the first Southern state to legalize marijuana in 2021, allowing people ages 21 and up to possess small amounts of the drug. However, the state has never allowed the sale of the drug.
This legislation could open the door for all sales.
If passed, the law would allow business owners to apply with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to cultivate and sell marijuana, a process that could begin as early as this September. The market would then open on May 1, 2025.
"It protects our communities. It protects children and kids as well, by putting in clear laws and regulations around cannabis," said State Sen. Aaron Rouse (D-Virginia Beach).
Rouse introduced one of the bills that passed through the General Assembly, SB448. He believes it will help get rid of black market sales of the drug.
“It regulates safe packaging, making sure there’s clear labels. Also, this bill makes sure that… any product has to go through the health council first before being released," Rouse said.
The bill says those who cultivate, process, or manufacture marijuana without the proper license would be charged with a Class 6 felony.
Marijuana products would be taxed at a rate of up to roughly 11.6% if passed. The bills more than double the amount of marijuana adults can possess, from 1 ounce to 2.5 ounces.
If the bills get the green light from Gov. Youngkin, power then rests in the hands of local government. Localities can hold referendums to not allow retail marijuana stores within their jurisdictions.
It’s unclear if the Republican governor will sign the bill. When reached for comment, a spokesperson pointed 13News Now to a previous statement, where Youngkin said he doesn’t have a lot of interest in pressing forward with marijuana legislation.
The topic has long been a point of contention among Virginians. Just this month, several law enforcement organizations penned a letter to the members of the General Assembly arguing that a legalized retail marijuana market could impact public safety.