Virginia governor vetoes marijuana bills, including legalizing sales

For the second year in a row, Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed bills to legalize adult-use cannabis sales, along with other cannabis policy reforms.

Thankfully, this is Youngkin's last year in office. In November, Virginians will have an opportunity to elect a new governor — hopefully one who listens to voters on cannabis policy.

In 2021, the legislature and then-Gov. Ralph Northam (D) ended cannabis prohibition, legalizing adults' simple possession and home cultivation, but requiring reenactment for legal sales. Gov. Youngkin was elected in November 2021 and he has stood in the way of progress ever since.

Gov. Youngkin outrageously vetoed the following bills:

• SB 970 and HB 2485 — twin bills to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis sales
• HB 2613 — which would have prevented families from being torn apart due to a parent responsibly using cannabis
• HB 2555 — which would have provided for cannabis resentencing

He also demanded amendments to bills related to sealing past convictions (HB 2723 and SB 1466) and revisions to Virginia's medical cannabis program (HB 1989). For more background, check out this Marijuana Moment article.

Gov. Youngkin's term ends in January 2026, and he is not eligible for a consecutive term. If you live in Virginia and you're eligible, make sure you're registered to vote and that you don't miss the opportunity. The last gubernatorial election set back legal cannabis access by four years.