The governor of Virginia is defending a series of proposed changes to legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana sales, arguing that a slower, more deliberate rollout is essential to avoid problems seen in other states.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) said this week that her amendments to the cannabis bill were shaped by conversations with leaders in states that have already launched adult-use markets. According to the governor, their advice was consistent: prioritize careful implementation over speed.
“Across the board, the top priority that people continue to put forth is do it methodically—because you have to do it right the first time,” Spanberger said in remarks to local media, adding that rushed rollouts often lead to unforeseen complications.
Her proposal includes several significant changes to legislation passed by the General Assembly, including delaying the start of legal sales from January 1, 2027, to July 1, 2027. The governor also wants to raise the state’s cannabis excise tax from 6 percent to 8 percent beginning in 2029 and reduce the legal purchase limit from 2.5 ounces to 2 ounces per transaction.
The amendments have drawn criticism from both cannabis reform advocates and the bill’s legislative sponsors, who argue the changes could restrict access and undermine the intent of the original proposal. In a joint statement, lawmakers said the governor’s revisions “create a less accessible legal marketplace” and raise concerns about fairness and public safety.
Beyond taxes and timing, Spanberger is proposing broader structural changes. Her plan would direct all cannabis tax revenue into the state’s general fund, rather than allocating specific percentages to programs like early childhood education and community reinvestment. She is also seeking to eliminate a dedicated Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund, a move critics say could weaken efforts to address harms from past marijuana enforcement.
The governor’s proposal further introduces stricter penalties, including reclassifying public marijuana use as a criminal misdemeanor and increasing penalties for underage possession.
Despite the backlash, Spanberger maintains that her goal is clarity and accountability. “It’s about making very clear what a legal market is,” she said, emphasizing the need to define both legal and illegal activity as the state transitions toward retail cannabis sales.
Lawmakers are set to revisit the proposal during a scheduled session on April 22, where they will decide whether to accept, reject or modify the governor’s amendments.
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