Virginia Cannabis Sales Legalization Bill Heads to Governor
The Virginia General Assembly has sent a bill to Governor Abigail Spanberger (D) that aims to legalize recreational marijuana sales in the state. The bill, which is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027, would allow adults 21 and older to purchase cannabis products from licensed retailers.
Meanwhile, a separate bill introduced by Representatives Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) would repeal a federal law that allows housing discrimination against individuals who have been convicted of manufacturing or distributing marijuana or other illegal drugs.
In other news, the Delaware Senate unanimously passed a bill allowing terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in hospitals, while the New Hampshire House of Representatives allowed key drug policy reform bills to die without floor votes.
In Massachusetts, a new report from the Cannabis Control Commission shows that marijuana consumers are increasingly turning away from unregulated sources and towards licensed retailers. The report comes as an initiative to roll back legalization approaches the November ballot.
Academic analysis suggests that rescheduling marijuana would be a transitional step towards broader reforms, including banking, interstate commerce, and criminal justice and equity reforms.
In other state news, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a bill to expand medical cannabis access by allowing vaping, adding new qualifying conditions, and increasing THC potency limits. The Oklahoma House of Representatives, on the other hand, rejected a bill that would have given employers more leeway to fire workers for medical cannabis use.
Texas officials may launch increased raids against hemp businesses under new state rules, while Alabama medical cannabis dispensaries are preparing to launch sales to patients following years of delays.
In federal news, the Congressional Research Service noted Congress’s interference in Washington, D.C. marijuana laws in a report. The House bill to delay the federal recriminalization of hemp THC products gained two new cosponsors.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom authored an op-ed criticizing the Trump administration’s approach to drug policy, including its efforts to roll back support for harm reduction. An Ohio senator defended the legislature’s move to pass a bill restricting marijuana and hemp products.
