RICHMOND, Va. — Among the biggest topics for Democratic lawmakers in Virginia this legislative session is the future of legalized recreational sales of cannabis.
Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria City, reintroduced SB 423 to create a framework for a retail marijuana market in the Commonwealth, which would be administered by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.
In 2021, the Virginia General Assembly passed a bill that made it legal for adults 21 years and older to possess up to an ounce of cannabis by adults. However, Republicans have stalled legislation that would establish a marijuana marketplace for recreational use.
With Democrats in control of both chambers, lawmakers announced marijuana reform as an important issue.
Ebbin pointed WUSA9 to data from New Frontier that in 2023, the illicit market in the Commonwealth skyrocketed up to an estimated $2.4 billion from $1.8 billion in 2020.
“Instead of being invested in our communities, hundreds of millions of dollars in unrealized tax revenue is lining the pockets of organized crime,” Ebbin said. “I think it's appropriate for adults who make the decision to use cannabis to get a tested product that is taxed and regulated.”
Even if the General Assembly passes the legislation, it’s unclear if Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin will sign or veto it.
Recent reports indicate Youngkin has little interest in pushing marijuana reforms. Following his State of the Commonwealth address on the first day of legislative session, Youngkin mentioned lacking interest in legalizing a marijuana marketplace.
“Virginians are not interested in continuing to kick this can down the road,” said JM Pedini, the development director for NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. “We've seen bills from Republicans and Democrats and hopefully this is the year they can put that on the governor's desk.”
Trent Woloveck of Jushi Holdings Inc. said as the bill hits committees, there must be ongoing education around what it means to have a commercial cannabis program and study from the 24 other states that have passed a similar legislation on what works.
“There's going to be a balance that's going to be necessary to drive involvement from Democrats and Republicans in the legislature,” Woloveck added. “We’re very confident this is a piece of legislation that can garner support from both sides of the aisle.”
Jushi has six medical cannabis retail stores in Virginia. If the bill becomes a reality, the plan is to expand the use of recreational use at the location. One facility has already been extended to accommodate supply.