Virginia’s Cannabis Industry Looks Ahead After Governor’s Veto
Despite Governor Abigail Spanberger’s veto of a bill to legalize and regulate retail marijuana sales in Virginia, the cannabis industry is not giving up. The special session is ongoing, and industry leaders are hopeful that a compromise can be reached.
Trent Woloveck, chief strategy director for Jushi Holdings Inc., believes that the governor’s veto is not the end of the road. “There is still a special session ongoing because they haven’t been able to finish a budget,” he said. “I wouldn’t say everything is done and dusted yet.”
The governor’s veto means that adults in Virginia can continue to possess marijuana, but they cannot legally purchase it if it is not medicinal. Woloveck argues that legalizing recreational sales would actually help to reduce the black market, providing a safer alternative with regulated products.
Todd Gathje, with The Family Foundation, a faith-based advocacy group, agrees with the governor’s decision. “We have to have this regulatory and tax framework in order to keep it out of the youth’s hands,” he said. “There is a black market, and we need to do what we can to protect our youth and families.”
The debate surrounding marijuana legalization in Virginia is ongoing, with some arguing that it would be a step forward in terms of public safety and others expressing concerns about the potential risks. As the special session continues, the cannabis industry will be watching closely to see what the future holds for retail marijuana sales in the state.
