Virginia General Assembly approves adult-use cannabis sales!

On Friday, March 13, the conference committee that ironed out differing versions of Senate and House of Delegates bills released its conference committee substitute bill. Shortly thereafter, the Senate passed the bill in a 21-18 vote. On Saturday, the House of Delegates voted 64-32 to approve the legislation and send the bill to Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D). The governor has until May 21, 2026, to either sign the legislation or let it become law without her signature. It is expected she will sign the bill. 

If you live in Virginia, ask the Governor to sign the adult-use sales bill!

This was the third year in a row that adult-use sales bills have passed the Virginia General Assembly. The legislation was vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) during the previous two sessions. Additionally, the former governor had previously vetoed legislation that would have protected parents from child endangerment charges for the legal use of cannabis, provided resentencing for former crimes that are now legal, and created automatic expungement for prior cannabis offenses that are now legal in the Commonwealth. The General Assembly is sending similar bills to the governor’s desk this year as well.

The General Assembly, newly elected in November 2025, prioritized getting these bills passed this year. They succeeded in that goal, where they were stymied in the past. Many elected officials made reforming cannabis policy, including adult-use sales, a cornerstone of their campaigns. That messaging resonated with voters, and as a result, we have seen the best year for cannabis legislation since possession and home grow of cannabis was legalized in 2021. 

Congratulations citizens and elected officials of the Old Dominion State, you have once again provided the leadership as you have since this nation won its independence!