Bill to Implement Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Introduced in Virginia 

A bill to establish an adult-use marketplace in Virginia was introduced last week, which if approved would allow retail sales in the state on November 1. The legislation comes some five years after state lawmakers passed cannabis reforms but attempts to create a regulated marketplace were vetoed by then-Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R).     

The proposal from State Delegate Paul Krizek (D) would set an excise tax of 8% on retail sales but does not impose a tax on medical cannabis. After paying for market oversight, cannabis derived tax revenues would be split between Pre-K funding (10%), a newly-created Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund (60%), the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for substance use disorder prevention and treatment programs (25%), and cannabis public health education campaigns (5%).  

The bill includes rules for labeling and packaging that are similar to requirements in other legal cannabis markets. The proposal prohibits dispensaries from selling cannabis products via vending machines, drive-through windows, or online, and sets transaction limits at 2.5 ounces. 

Home cultivation is allowed under the bill, with a limit of four plants per household and increasing penalties for growing over the limit. 

The legislation also includes proposals for compacts between the commonwealth and tribal governments for cannabis policy. 

The bill is currently in the House General Laws Committee. If an adult-use regulation bill makes it to the desk of Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), it is expected she will sign it.