Virginia is one step closer to launching a legal marijuana market after legislative committees in both the state Senate and House approved a proposal to allow retail sales. Lawmakers are advancing the plan despite an expected veto from Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The measure now heads to the Senate floor for a full vote.
Key Senate and House Votes Push Bill Forward
The Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee (SFAC) voted 10–5 on Tuesday in favor of the legislation, sending it to the full Senate. Over in the House, the General Laws Committee approved the corresponding bill in a 14–8 vote, passing it along to the House Appropriations Committee.
Supporters of the plan say it’s not about legalizing marijuana—it’s about regulating an already existing market.
“The bill sets up an adult retail market for marijuana throughout Virginia,” Sen. Aaron Rouse (D), one of the bill’s sponsors, said before the vote. “This is a bipartisan effort to limit and mitigate the illicit market and drive it out while providing revenues for our localities in our state.”
What’s in the Bill? A Closer Look at the Proposal
The proposed legislation, known as SB 970 and HB 2485, lays out a plan for a regulated cannabis market with strict licensing and taxation rules. While personal use and possession are already legal in Virginia, retail sales remain prohibited—something lawmakers are now trying to change.
Here’s what the bill includes:
- Adults 21 and older could buy up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana per transaction.
- Sales could begin no earlier than May 1, 2026.
- The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would regulate the market, issuing licenses and setting industry rules.
- Retail sales would be taxed at up to 11.625 percent.
- Local governments could ban cannabis businesses, but only if residents vote for an opt-out.
Notably, existing medical marijuana providers could apply for licenses to expand into the recreational market, potentially speeding up sales once regulations are in place.
Local Restrictions and Business Licensing Rules
The bill establishes strict rules on where cannabis businesses can operate. Retailers would need to be at least 1,000 feet apart, limiting the number of shops in any given area. Additionally, all sales would need to be in-person—no online orders, drive-throughs, or delivery services would be allowed.
Cannabis cultivation would also be heavily regulated.
- Growers would be classified based on the size of their growing area, known as canopy size.
- Smaller cultivators would be allowed to grow outdoors, while larger growers would be required to use indoor facilities or secure greenhouses.
Licensing eligibility is another key point. Applicants with certain criminal records—including felony convictions in the past seven years—would be barred from receiving a license. Law enforcement officers involved in enforcing Virginia’s drug laws would also be prohibited from holding cannabis business licenses.
Social Equity: Who Gets Priority for Licenses?
A significant portion of the bill is focused on social equity, aiming to give business opportunities to communities disproportionately affected by past marijuana laws. The legislation includes a microbusiness program that prioritizes licensing for individuals who meet at least one of these criteria:
- Have a past misdemeanor cannabis conviction.
- Are a military veteran.
- Have a family member with a past conviction.
- Live in a historically economically disadvantaged community.
- Attended a school in such a community or received a federal Pell Grant.
This approach is designed to ensure that the economic benefits of legalization are shared beyond just large corporations and investors.
The Governor’s Veto Looms Over the Debate
Even with legislative momentum, the bill faces a major hurdle: Gov. Youngkin. Last year, he vetoed a similar bipartisan measure, despite the compromise reached between Senate and House lawmakers. Many expect the same outcome this year.
The governor has not openly stated his position on the new proposal, but he has previously expressed concerns about the commercialization of marijuana. If he vetoes it again, supporters would need enough votes for an override—a tough challenge in Virginia’s divided legislature.
For now, the bill continues to move forward. The Senate will soon hold a full vote, and the House Appropriations Committee will review its version of the legislation. If both chambers pass the bill, all eyes will be on Youngkin to see if he changes his stance or doubles down on opposition.