Abigail Spanberger has vetoed legislation that would create a legal retail marijuana market in Virginia, saying the proposal lacks the structure and resources needed for proper oversight.
In a statement released Tuesday, Spanberger said the bill would have introduced retail cannabis sales without “the timeline, structure or resources to be successfully implemented.”
“As Virginia pursues a legal retail market, it is important that we incorporate lessons learned by other states and ensure our regulatory framework is fully prepared to provide strong oversight from day one,” he said.
The proposal passed by Virginia lawmakers earlier this year would allow adults 21 and older to purchase marijuana from 350 retail stores starting Jan. 1.
The inspection will be conducted 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 there are currently no legal retail markets in the state.
Spanberger had proposed delaying retail sales until July 2027 and suggested several changes to the penalties associated with marijuana possession and public use.
Lawmakers Leshreck Aird and Paul Krizek criticized the veto, saying it would increase uncertainty and benefit illegal cannabis sellers.
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