Virginia governor blocks cannabis legalization for second time

Virginia's Republican governor, Glenn Youngkin, on Monday vetoed regulations that were to set up an adult-use cannabis industry in the state.

In his veto message, Youngkin cited the «negative effects on children's health and safety», the «failures» of states that have implemented adult markets, and concerns about increased crime and psychiatric disorders.

«The legalization proposal, which was vetoed last year, would establish a framework for retail marijuana sales that endangers the health and safety of Virginians. States following this path have seen adverse effects on the health and safety of children and teens, increased gang activity and violent crime, significant deterioration in mental health, decreased traffic safety, and significant costs associated with retail marijuana sales that far exceed tax revenues. Nor does it eliminate the illegal sale of cannabis on the black market or guarantee product safety.».

In his veto message, Mr. Youngkin cites data from the Blue Ridge Poison Control Center, which reports an 85 % increase in the number of minors overdosing on cannabis-infused edibles since the Commonwealth legalized cannabis possession in 2021. The governor also points to the proliferation of unregulated sales in California and Colorado, which he says «fuels gang activity, promotes violent crime and undermines public safety».

«The financial and societal burdens of legalization have left state governments worse off than before,» the governor wrote in his veto message, “proving that commercialized cannabis is a failed experiment with devastating consequences.”.

In a statement, Delegate Paul Krizek, lead sponsor of the House version of the retail bill, said the governor «has once again failed the citizens of Virginia by allowing an already thriving illegal cannabis market to persist, fueling criminal activity and endangering our communities.».

«It had the opportunity to protect Virginians,» said Krizek, «but instead it will only exacerbate the proliferation of illicit products, posing greater risks to our schools and public safety.».
Mr Youngkin had already vetoed a similar law last year.

The governor also vetoed a bill that would have protected the parental rights of adults who legally possess or consume cannabis under state law.

In his veto message to HB2613, Yougkin said the legislation «ignores the clear evidence linking substance use to child endangerment, particularly following the increase in incidents of children ingesting cannabis-infused substances after marijuana legalization.».