Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has vetoed several bills, including House Bill 642 and Senate Bill 542, which aimed to establish a retail marketplace for cannabis products. Spanberger cited the need for a regulated and safe marketplace, stating that Virginians deserve a system that prioritizes children’s health and safety, public safety, product integrity, and accountability.
The governor’s decision comes after she returned the bill with her own amendments, including increases and penalties, which lawmakers and advocates argued went beyond what stakeholders had agreed to. Trent Woloveck, a representative from Jushi Holdings, Inc., expressed surprise and shock at the changes, stating that the industry had been working closely with Spanberger throughout the year.
Spanberger emphasized the importance of incorporating lessons learned from other states and ensuring that Virginia’s regulatory framework is fully prepared to provide strong oversight from the start. She emphasized the need for clear enforcement authority, sufficient resources for compliance, testing, and inspections, and robust tools to crack down on illicit market actors.
The governor expressed appreciation for the General Assembly’s efforts and commitment to working with lawmakers, stakeholders, and law enforcement to get the framework right. Spanberger’s goal is to establish a safe, legal, and well-regulated cannabis retail marketplace in Virginia, which she believes will replace the illicit market and prioritize public health and safety.
