NORFOLK, Va. - As lawmakers head back to Richmond for the start of the General Assembly session this week, the debate over recreational marijuana sales in Virginia continues.
In 2021, lawmakers legalized simple possession of marijuana but talks to begin recreational sales stalled out in the 2022 session and are expected to be brought up again this year.
Several bills have already been introduced for this session, including one to legalize recreational sales at pharmaceutical and industrial hemp processors beginning July 1, 2023. Under the bill, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority could begin issuing licenses for further retail sales in 2024.
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The bill has been introduced by Republican Del. Keith Hodges from Urbanna.
"The Hodges bill uses a really standard policy that's been enacted in state after state where when there is expansion from medical to adult use, sales are turned on as quickly as possible for those 21 and older at the existing dispensaries, which would be medical," said JM Pedini, the Executive Director of Virginia NORML, who also serves as NORML's Development Director.
Another proposal would begin the process of issuing licenses in 2024 and then allow retail sales to begin in 2025.
Some have criticized the idea of starting sales at medical dispensaries instead of waiting for smaller businesses to begin sales.
"The priority for the Virginia General Assembly really ought to be public and consumer safety when it comes to cannabis sales, not who gets to make money first or next off of consumers," said Pedini.
In comments to reporters Monday, Del. Todd Gilbert, the Speaker of the House, said the path forward is currently unclear.
"I would hate to proceed with something and only make it worse. That could be what we could do, so I want to make sure we're thoughtful and that if we are to reach a consensus that it's arrived at with that level of thoughtful discussion," Gilbert said.
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Republicans have control of the House of Delegates and Democrats have a slim majority in the Senate.
Gilbert blasted Democrats for failing to establish sales when they passed the legalization bill in 2021. "Here we are left with this mess that frankly is not a place everyone feels comfortable with the status quo. That doesn't mean they want to run headlong into having retail marijuana stores on every corner in Virginia," said Gilbert.
Lawmakers will begin their session Wednesday at noon.
