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by Rachel Branning
Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger is asking lawmakers to delay the launch of a regulated retail cannabis market until July 2027, pushing back the original January start date approved by the legislature. (Credits: Office of the Governor of Virginia, AP/Kim Chandler, WSET)
RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) — Recreational marijuana may eventually become fully legal to purchase in Virginia, but residents will likely have to wait a little longer.
Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger is asking lawmakers to delay the launch of a regulated retail cannabis market until July 2027, pushing back the original January start date approved by the legislature.
Virginia legalized marijuana possession in 2021, but retail sales for recreational use have yet to begin. Under current law, residents can legally possess marijuana, but cannot purchase it unless they have a medical marijuana card.
Legislation passed by both the House and Senate aimed to change that by establishing a licensed retail market. However, Spanberger has sent the bill back with proposed amendments, including a six-month delay.
She said the additional time would allow the state to "implement a legal market safely and curb the illicit market."
READ ALSO: ABC13 Investigates: What would a retail marijuana market look like for law enforcement?
According to the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget, the financial upside of launching a retail market could be significant. Estimates project tax revenue growing from about $10 million in the next fiscal year to nearly $120 million by fiscal year 2032.
Advocates warn that postponing the rollout could come at a cost.
Beyond the delay, Spanberger is also proposing stricter enforcement measures that are drawing criticism.
Her amendments would replace the current $25 civil penalty for public marijuana use with a Class 4 criminal misdemeanor. Additionally, individuals under 21 found possessing marijuana could face a Class 1 misdemeanor charge.
These proposed changes have raised concerns among reform advocates.
"Despite Governor Spanberger's commitment to public safety, these amendments do not achieve those goals. What they will do is continue endangering black, brown and young Virginians in communities throughout the Commonwealth," Pedini warned. "Governor Spanberger isn't just proposing amendments. She's proposing the repeal of numerous bipartisan legislative efforts to end racially discriminatory marijuana policing here in Virginia."
Spanberger, however, defended her approach in a statement, saying:
The decision now rests with Virginia’s Democratic-controlled legislature, which will reconvene on April 22 to consider the governor’s amendments and vetoes.
Lawmakers must decide whether to approve the revised plan, modify it further or reject the changes altogether.
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